Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. He must be commended on his response with regard to the NCS but also for the increased funding to the sector with the additional €173 million in 2022 via the core funding scheme. That was a huge statement of intent by this Government in terms of addressing the pay issues within the sector, which resulted in pay increases for more than 70% of early years managers and educators. I must bring to the Minister's attention that there is an ongoing concern about the lack of crèche facilities, which is becoming a real barrier for parents returning to work. Parents who are using crèches are now saving thousands of euro per year with the reductions in childcare fees but for those in rural areas, it has become a significant barrier. I would ask that we use the capital programme to develop more outreach within rural areas and prioritise this within the upcoming budget.

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