Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I appreciate her reply. I expected that the first response would relate to the increase in funding. That was why I acknowledged the increase at the start of my contribution. It still does not help the small providers in my constituency.

The Minister of State mentioned the efforts to create a 3% increase in capacity. That is fine and it may work in Dublin. There may be increases in capacity in Dublin and other urban areas where the big chains are benefiting from core funding. However, I am telling the Minister of State that the capacity is going to reduce in places such as west Cork, where excellent small providers fall by the wayside.

I mentioned that I was in St. Mary's. One of the things on offer there is arts and crafts. It was incredible. One of the kids, whose name I think was Lily, offered me a lovely painting she had been working on. The providers have to pay for the paint, paper, pencils and all the arts and crafts. It is incredible what is on offer. That all comes out of their pockets, as does the money for the electricity, heating and insurance. They have to pay for Santa presents at Christmas. The money for Easter presents also comes out of their own pockets. They are struggling to survive.

The Minister of State mentioned the increase but it is not benefiting these ECCE providers. I know through the work she has done for children with disabilities that the Minister of State has a working relationship with the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman. I ask her to ask him to visit me in west Cork and let us visit two or three of the settings about which I am talking. Let him see at first hand the incredible education these kids are getting and let him listen to how these providers are struggling. I am asking the Minister of State to help me with that request. I am sure the Minister would love a visit to west Cork.

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