Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú) | Oireachtas source

We are on the precipice of collapse in childcare and the early childhood care and education, ECCE, sector. I cannot overstate the severity and seriousness of this problem. It is not happening by accident. There were 77 net closures in 2019, 70 net closures in 2020, 62 net closures in 2021 and in this year so far there have been 80 net closures. It is estimated there will be 226 net closures next year. The Government is closing these businesses down, especially with the new core funding model. I have said this over and over to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, and he seems completely oblivious to what is happening. The failure to provide enough funds for these businesses to cope is forcing them to close, mainly in rural areas. We are doing damage to businesses and deleting options for parents in childcare in their areas. In November, there will be rolling strikes in childcare and ECCE services across the State. These protests will impact on parents and children. Will the Taoiseach step in and make sure these businesses have enough to survive?

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