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

I will certainly transmit those suggestions to the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman. In the round, the national childcare scheme is working well. Parents have seen a big reduction in fees and will see another big reduction in fees in September. We are seeing terms and conditions improve for staff and we are seeing improvements in quality. Like any new scheme, however, there will be teething problems at the start and maybe a little bit too much bureaucracy and too many checks and balances, but they are there for a reason. I can understand the frustration that must arise from having to have one set of accounts for Revenue and a different set of accounts for a different Government agency. I will certainly pass those suggestions on to the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman. I know he is keen to make the process streamlined as possible.

See this speech in context