Brian Leddin (Limerick City, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his recent visit to Limerick, especially to King's Island, which is an important example. He mentioned that interest in the core funding is quite high. If I may, I will ask a follow-up question in that regard. I have also received some queries on the topic of core funding mainly in regard to the cohort of smaller services that provide only the early childhood care and education, ECCE, scheme. The Minister has probably been made aware of that. Some of the providers in my constituency have said that they will not be able to increase salaries and improve living conditions for their staff while also continuing to provide the same quality of service because the new funding model does not take inflation, the stagnant position regarding capitation or increases in running costs into account. Some even fear that their businesses will no longer be viable and that they will have to shut down. What can we do for this cohort of service providers to ensure that jobs are not lost, their staff are paid appropriately and that children get the best possible experience in their early education years?

See this speech in context