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

I hope that is a measure that would support the community sector in the provision of child care, particularly, as the Deputy has identified, in light of the concerns around community employment. In response to another question, I indicated that there will be an additional €700,000 available to the community sector to help with sustainability and viability issues. I am doing a considerable amount with the resources that I achieved in the budget. In the context of the wider budget and indeed the overall decisions that were being made I believe that I achieved a significant amount for the Department and for the providers. The focus was on quality. I want to say again that I am absolutely determined to support these measures. There was not much movement for sectoral employment orders. I wish there was, but in the absence of those, this is what I am doing.

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