Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is unfair and inaccurate. Under the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, the budget for childcare and early years education has increased dramatically. It is in excess of €1 billion now. Fees have come down for parents this year and they will come down again. Pay and terms and conditions have improved for the staff in the sector and will improve again. As the Deputy knows, the vast majority of childcare and early years services are open today and are not taking part in the protest.

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