Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome what the Minister said about AIM, even though it was not part of the question. The service is vital and we often hear asked whether it can be expanded. There is a need in some sectors and it depends on the area. There is considerable disadvantage in some areas where parents of 90% of the children attending may not be in employment and there are various issues. Additional funding is very important. Elements of the core funding are very welcome, but some people think that the older model, the community childcare subvention plus, CCSP, may have been slightly more beneficial for the disadvantaged. Is there a way to combine or look at additional funding for disadvantage? That is the answer. Is there a timeframe for when it will be commenced? The Minister may have spoken about one and I missed it. Is the hot meals programme the Minister spoke about a pilot project? We would welcome such a pilot in Carlow-Kilkenny if the Minister wished to try a pilot out there.

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