Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It is important, while acknowledging the imperfections of how our system operates right now, that we always acknowledge the amazing work done in so many services all over the country, both community and private, in looking after our children and providing early learning and care.

I believe there is a greater role for the State in the direct provision of early learning and care, particularly in areas of low provision and where capacity is under pressure. I would like to see the State have a greater role there which would be beneficial in terms of addressing some of those capacity challenges that we spoke about. I agree with the Deputy in terms of the importance of recruitment and retention of staff. That is why in the budget yesterday, I announced a dedicated allocation of core funding in 2025 that is dependent on a new wage agreement being reached between employers and the unions representing childcare professionals.

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