Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for the information provided. We have received feedback from childcare providers in particular across Cavan and Monaghan. My colleague, Deputy Rabbitte, has been to Cavan to meet some of those childcare providers. The administrative end of all these schemes can cause heartache.

It has become very burdensome for the childcare providers in terms of paperwork. I have received feedback about the absolute frustration that they do not get to do the job they want to do, which is to provide childcare, because their time and energy are so taken up with bureaucracy. I fully endorse keeping checks and balances, however, will the Minister talk about the bureaucracy? Her opening remarks referred to this being eased for childcare providers, which would be welcome, but they want to know what they can expect in the new scheme.

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