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

I thank the Minister for his reply. I welcome his statement that childcare is a priority and that he regards it as a public good because that is the model we need to adopt for our childcare and early years sector. It needs to be seen for what it is, namely, an excellent public service on which everybody relies and that ultimately benefits children. That has to be at the heart of everything we do.

As the Minister is aware, we have some of the highest fees in the world. In my constituency of Carlow-Kilkenny, which is largely rural like many other deserving areas, people can pay in the region of €650 per month for one child. I know some people in Dublin will probably think that does not sound too bad but the area should be borne in mind and the additional cost for those with a second child. Some people are deciding exactly when they will have children based on childcare costs. It is crazy that we are in that situation in this day and age. I take this opportunity in advance of the budget to ask again that the budget include something for this sector.

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