Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Is the Minister open to a review or consultation or submissions, particularly in this regard? It is definitely coming up as an issue with more than one or two people. I know we have an issue with Covid, and some after-school services have closed for a variety of reasons, but there is definitely an issue with funding after-school services. I would appreciate if he would examine it.

I cannot let this opportunity pass, a week after the budget, without mentioning the disappointment of the early years sector. Those working in the sector, those trying to keep crèche doors open and parents felt totally forgotten about in the budget. The Minister will say he pointed to a review but many people have been cut out of the workforce due to the cost of childcare, and those working in the sector certainly are not benefiting from the high fees. Their wages are very low. There is a lot of anger and hurt among people who provide the services, people who are working in the sector and parents who feel forgotten about in the budget. I want to take this opportunity to raise this issue with him.

See this speech in context