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

I thank the Deputy. I am acutely aware of the cost-of-living crises that many families face. This is why in last year's budget I was able to get a very significant investment to cut childcare costs for all parents, at an average of 25%. This is why in next year's budget I am looking specifically to extend that out to childminders. The Deputy also raised this issue with regard to the significant number of parents who use childminders and are not able to avail of the NCS for that childcare provision at the moment. Perhaps after the session here, the Deputy might give me the names of the individuals in question and tomorrow I will make sure to look up the specific correspondence. I will look to see what advice or supports are available there under the existing structures.

The situation as described by the Deputy is a combination of elements. After-school care as we know it is provided in a childcare facility. Whether that is something that can be done there, or can be extended out to summer camp that is not necessarily provided in a setting supported by my Department, just adds an extra complexity there. I will need to study the specific issue. We are aware that additional supports are needed to support children to access early years programmes, be it the ECCE scheme and the really good AIM scheme. As I have said, I want to grow AIM. I want AIM applying to more children across a wider cohort, from younger children to older children and in after-school supports. I am conscious that AIM is an expensive programme, and it should be because it is providing supports. It is something that will probably have to be done on a step-by-step basis. I believe that I have demonstrated over the last number of years that I have secured increased investment in childcare, supporting parents, children, workers and providers. I look to continue to do that in budget 2024. Perhaps the Deputy will let me know the name of that family.

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