Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. I certainly welcome his response in relation to childminders. They are pivotal in rural areas, where many children are cared for in the childminder's home. Bringing them into the scheme will certainly entice a lot more people to use childminders, which will complement the crèche facilities within community settings or private settings. That is really important going forward. We should also address the ongoing issues around capitation. We have heard from the early childhood providers who are calling for additional funding to administer the core funding element. That was evident in the many engagements we have had with SIPTU and the representative bodies. That is important. We are making significant progress in this area and I have to commend the Minister on that. Hopefully the budget in September will be the next step in the Government's commitment within the programme for Government.

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