Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I commend the Minister on the work being done and raise one other issue, about which I have spoken to him privately relating to the early childhood care and education, ECCE, programme. I am aware that those service providers were protesting outside Leinster House recently. ECCE-only providers seem to be under more pressure than those who provide a more diverse childcare service. From what we have heard on the ground, they are looking for an increase in capitation. I am aware that fees have been frozen, which can be passed on to parents, but I am concerned specifically about the ECCE-only providers. Will the Minister look at the resilience fund, of which only €500,000 was drawn down out of a €20 million pot, and disburse the funds among the ECCE-only providers who are facing a difficult period ahead?

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