Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We are up to 85% takeup of core funding now in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown. That is continuing to grow, which is very positive. I know that is still slightly below the national level, but it is still a very significant level of takeup. The Deputy spoke to the disruption to parents and to children's learning from these closures. Again, I just do not believe they are necessary. I am always open to working with people. I have engaged extensively throughout Covid. My Department was extremely reactive in respect of Covid, bringing in the employment wage subsidy scheme, EWSS, for the entire sector without any preconditions. We will look to support the sector with increased energy costs through the temporary business energy support scheme, TBESS. We are very reactive. We want to support the sector. We recognise the massive underinvestment that has taken place over decades. We are responding to that. In one budget this year we have provided an additional €346 million. I hope the sector recognises my bona fides and the Government's intention to support all three elements: parents, providers and staff.

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