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

I have already mentioned the numbers of new children who will benefit from the increased child care that is available. That is the first point. There is a scheme there that will benefit far more children and there will be a greater level of subsidisation, something which was allowed for in the budget. They are new policies and it is important that they are being implemented.

In respect of the Deputy's question, we will need some legislation and an IT system. The Minister is examining that legislation and regards it as a priority. Work is being done on the IT system that needs to be in place to reach that group of families. When that has been done, using existing levels of investment, a further 9,000 families will benefit from more affordable child care through child care subsidies of up to €12 per week.

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