Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Minister of State's reply but a couple of things stand out. Some 165 services in Dublin have not signed up to this scheme. Last year, a survey conducted by the Federation of Early Childhood Providers showed that 260 providers that have signed up to this scheme did not know whether they would be able to open their doors this autumn. A number of services that are not included, and to which there is no reference, have signed up to this scheme somewhat under duress. They have no other choice. They know what the wider societal benefits are. However, they believe their concerns are simply not being listened to.

I heard a previous response from the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, indicating that he would encourage providers to contact their local county childcare scheme. That is a slap in the face. We need real engagement. We need the Minister to sit down with the providers that have not signed up to this scheme, or that have signed up but are extremely worried they will not be able to keep the lights on. Some 165 service providers have not signed up for this year. What happens if the 260 providers that believe they are at risk go bust next year? What happens if more providers realise this scheme will not work for them, particularly in Dublin? The Minister said that 100% of providers had signed up in Leitrim. That is great in Leitrim but just 81% have signed up in my constituency. This is at a time when people are dying to get children into these places in order that they can access the workplace and we can fill critical jobs, bearing in mind we have a labour shortage in the wider society and people want to give their children the best choice. People do not want to be saddled with the second mortgage that is childcare costs and then find themselves having to drive 25 to 30 minutes out of their way in the morning, and drive another hour back to the workplace, paying all the additional extras that come with breakfast clubs and after-school care.

I plead with the Minister of State to bring it back to the Minister that there has to be a level of genuine engagement. There should no longer be warm words. Until the Minister can provide a system that will ensure these services are not under financial threat, we will not be able to provide proper facility for all in our society.

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