Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for her openness in responding to my question. Some 2,300 of providers, or approximately 50%, have signed up to the scheme so far. What is the cut-off date for signing up? The Minister said the main ICT system is largely built. Is the Department on budget for the roll-out of the ICT system? Since we last spoke on this issue, have more providers signed up? Has the scope of the IT system been expanded on a trial basis to include more childcare providers throughout the country?

The broadband network in Leitrim is not great. What will the Minister do for childcare providers or parents in areas that do not have a good broadband network? The Minister said the paper-based system will be available in January. What will be the position in October for those parents? How will the Minister transition them and give them reassurances that everybody will be catered for?

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