Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise the case of early years providers and in particular, those services which are reliant on the early childhood care and education, ECCE, programme. This vital sector has sought and requires an immediate increase in their capitation. The Taoiseach will be aware that ECCE was introduced in 2010 at €64.50 per child per week. That capitation has remained static over the past 12 years. Spiralling costs are putting the viability of ECCE-reliant services in question. We cannot really afford to lose these vital services. The request from the Federation of Early Childhood Providers is that the capitation is increased to €76 per week per child. Will the Taoiseach, as Head of Government, ensure that this will happen?

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