Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. The report issued by the expert group in early September on funding and the Department’s report, Nurturing Skills, were both welcome and timely. Access to affordable early learning and childcare supports a fair society, sustainable communities and a thriving economy. The Minister is acutely aware of the challenges facing parents, childcare professionals, childcare providers and he is working to address them.

I regularly hear from constituents who raise issues concerning the affordability and availability of childcare. One issue that comes up is that those who pay privately pay extraordinary fees. In addition, those who can be subsidised struggle to find a service. Many service providers tell me about issues in respect of building costs, insurance costs and fire safety requirements, while staffing is also a major issue. Equally, many childcare workers tell me how they want to have an opportunity to stay working in the sector and to progress within it as valued employees.

I am aware that budget 2022 provided funding to begin the implementation of these recommendations, including €69 million for the new core funding stream from September 2022. This is equivalent to €207 million in a full year. What is the status of the other recommendations contained within the expert group's report? Will the expert group continue to play an oversight or advisory role?

See this speech in context