Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We await the Low Pay Commission's review on board and lodgings. I agree with Deputy Rabbitte that it is time to review the rate paid to au pairs. There is no question about that. We await the report to see precisely what the recommendations will be. Extending the availability of affordable, accessible child care remains a priority for the Government.

Yesterday, I held a consultation on the new national women's strategy attended by 150 women. The question of further financial support for parents who are trying to access child care came up again and again so it remains a priority. The Deputy can see the increased funding in the budget from the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to extend child care. The regulation and approach to au pairservices must be seen in that context.

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