Holly Cairns (Cork South West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Ultimately, this comes back to the need for quality, accessible early years and school-age childcare. Privatisation and the neoliberal model are failing everybody - children, families and workers in the sector. While I recognise the changes that have been made, I must point out that they were not sufficiently targeted at those most disadvantaged under the current system. Lone parents, parents of children with disabilities and others need specialised supports and an integrated approach involving other Departments. The only way that can happen is by working with the representative organisations and advocates in advance of the budget. Those organisations need a commitment from the Minister that he will engage with and listen to them and to the lone parents who experience poverty due to State policies.

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