Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I met Fine Gael's policy lab and we discussed these issues. On the issue of pay, we have provided a core funding package that is worth €221 million in a full year. This is supporting the development of an employment regulation order for the sector. An initial €13 per hour payment, which is more than the living wage, has been agreed and other rates are being negotiated by the joint labour committee. This will be the first time this essential sector of 30,000 women who receive pay that is far too low will have clear wage rates set for it.

The Deputy is absolutely right with regard to capacity. A total of €70 million has been set aside in the national development plan for extending the capacity of existing services and for the development of new services. We will put out the first call for that next year. The Deputy is also absolutely right regarding affordability. There is agreement in all three Government parties that affordability of childcare will be a focus in this year's budget.

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