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

These are really good questions. I acknowledge the Deputy's interest and representation in this regard. It really helps us do the work we do. Her first question, which had regard to county and city childcare committees, is an excellent one. As the Deputy knows, the change we are bringing in for school-age childcare providers is significant. The Deputy is also aware that, as I have indicated, this has been a long time coming.

Research has been carried out and it has been consulted as part of the work of the working group. The report has come out and on the basis of that report, I have made my decisions. I have continued to listen to the sector and I have made some changes recently in that regard.

It is the job of the county and city childcare committees to support providers in the work they do. They would of course be aware of these matters. In other words, there is a long lead-in time. This is what they should be doing and I expect it is what they will be doing.

The Deputy asked about feedback. As we progress to a comprehensive set of regulations, I expect and hope the question around the ratios will be integral to that aspect of it.

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