Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

It is an important point because traditionally and historically we did not see it that way, and primary school started at four years old and so on. Children learn vicariously and they learn in different ways but structured childcare and development can be powerful for children. The Government has invested strongly in early learning and childcare. The budget in 2015 was €260 million and it is now €1.025 billion in 2023. That has reached the 2028 investment target five years ahead of time.

We need to do more and we want to do more. I pay tribute to the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, in this regard. Some 120,000 children now benefit from a national childcare subsidy and that is an increase of more than 118% since this time last year. As we know, core funding has also developed and there are improved pay and conditions. I mention the EROs that were agreed by employer and employee representatives in a landmark pay deal for the sector, with over 70% of staff receiving a pay increase as a result. When we met the social partners in the context of the Labour Employer Economic Forum, LEEF, they saluted this development as a watershed moment in terms of pay and conditions for people working in the childcare sector, and that should be acknowledged. For year two of core funding the Minister has secured an additional €28 million, meaning an increase to €287 million in the budget for the sector, and that will give us a sustainable model with increases for all services.

There is an independent financial review of sessional services ongoing and the Minister has announced targeted measures for core funding for year two to support and fund smaller and sessional services. Services that are experiencing difficulty and would like support are encouraged to contact their city or county childcare committee to access case management supports. Services can be assisted on an individual basis through this route. Sustainability funding is available to partner services, community and private, that are experiencing financial difficulty.

Yesterday evening I briefly met some groups on the plinth. I encouraged them to engage with us in this respect. With the core funding scheme in operation since last September there is already significant evidence of success with 95%, or well over 4,200 providers, signed up, 98% of community not-for-profit services signed up and 93% of private for-profit services signed up.

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