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

I refer to Deputy Smyth's questions. Absolutely, the intention is that there will be an easing of bureaucracy. That is a significant aspect of the establishment of the scheme. Will it happen all at once? No, probably not, but we are preparing for it and for the transition. The Deputies will be aware that part of the investment has been towards increasing the team in my Department and it has been working closely with all the providers as well as researchers and people across the country in an effort to consider everything and prepare so as to get it right. Streamlining, particularly through the ICT system, will take time as people will need to learn how to operate it. We have continued to invest in order to support providers with bureaucracy and have continued to increase payments to providers in recognition of this. Sometimes this involved difficult fights with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, though I won some of them.

Deputy Rabbitte asked good questions, including how parents can cope if their circumstances change. I will assume that both the county and childcare committees will support the providers, although the providers will be there first. It is a very good question which I will bring back to the Department for consideration.

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