Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. I can hear that he has a real commitment to the childcare sector. He spoke about the expert group recommendations that are due in November. Those recommendations are important but they will be too late for many in the sector. The Minister must know that. There has to be an extra investment in the sector. I am saying that €150 million is needed in the next budget, which will be announced before those recommendations are published. In my constituency, there are more than 100 childcare providers employing thousands of staff. They cannot wait for the recommendations of the expert group, which I understand has the possibility of delivering a quality service. When I said there was a crisis, I did not say it lightly. I said it because, one after another, childcare providers and those who work in the sector are telling me there is one. The expert group is great but, in the meantime, I ask the Minister to make a commitment to keep the sector afloat until its recommendations can be implemented.

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