Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In recent weeks we have seen a number of surveys taking place of the cost of childcare. Childcare costs have risen by 5.5%. I recognise that the Minister has said this is a problem owing to the lack of funding by the State over many years. The cost of childcare is crippling working families who are paying the equivalent of a second mortgage, which puts huge pressure on family life. Despite the subsidies, childcosts are still going up. At the end of August the Minister said the investment levels identified by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU, in its budget submission were necessary. Will she confirm that the Government's investment in the ECCE scheme will meet the figure of 0.7% of GDP in the short term and 1% by 2027, as advised by the ICTU?

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