Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this important point. I have met childcare providers in my own area and the Minister has expressed his disappointment with the action the federation has chosen to pursue which is, as the Deputy has said, the closure of early years childcare facilities between 26 and 28 September. The number of providers currently recorded as being closed is 56. As I have said, the Minister believes the closure of services is unwarranted at this time. Core funding has been in operation for just over a year, since 15 September 2022, and 95% of providers, more than 4,200, have signed up in the first year. There is already significant evidence of the success of the scheme. There is no question that issues have arisen and that childcare providers have concerns but there is a mechanism to discuss these with the Minister and the Department. The Minister is open to that.

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