Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am happy the Deputy asked that question because we have had discussions about it. Yes, I have a concern over this and there are different ways of addressing it. My primary concern is that, as the child care sector grows and as qualifications and workload increase, people within the sector are paid a better wage for what they do. As we implement the subsidisation programme there are possibilities that the sector will respond in certain ways but I have established an early years forum and I am discussing the issues with the sector. I have provided additional funding in recognition of non-contact time for 2017 and we will continue to discuss the issues as we move towards 2018.

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