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

I disagree with the Deputy slightly on targeting, particularly regarding the removal of wrap-around hours. That certainly targets the most vulnerable children, namely, those whose parents who are not in work or study. The change was a direct response to advocacy I received from a range of representative groups across the early learning and childcare sector, including the community sector and especially communities from which there was specific advocacy in this regard. This was a change they welcomed.

Regarding the input from other Departments, a range of changes were made in the past two budgets, including in respect of the working family payment and the one-parent family payment and in terms of the increase for a qualified child, IQC, provision. These changes are welcome but we must continue to do more. That certainly will be part of our advocacy. The announcement this week by the Ministers for Education and Public Expenditure and Reform, ,Deputies Foley and Michael McGrath, respectively, regarding additional back-to-school supports will benefit the children who need that support the most.

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