Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I assume the Deputy is referring to the early years sector in particular. The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O’Gorman, is engaging directly with that sector.

As a Government, we made a step change in investment in the last budget, which will kick in in the autumn. I want to make sure that funding is used effectively for the purpose for which it is intended, which is to improve affordability for parents and to make sure there is a good career pathway for the workers in the sector. Like the Deputy, I got the feedback from the small providers as well. I have spoken to the Minister, Deputy O’Gorman, who is very much aware of it. He is engaging with the sector and we look forward to seeing the outcome of that.

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