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

I am interested in a mid-year entry point, which there was originally but was removed. Where a child is born just on the cusp of the next year, it can be frustrating for parents. It is worth considering that day-to-day change in the operation of the scheme. We spoke earlier about early years professionals. Ultimately, it comes down to State investment because if the State is to be more directly involved, which I think it should, it will cost capital and current money in terms of the employment of staff. We spoke about better pay for staff in the private and community sector as well. All of this will take greater investment. It is the right thing to do. I doubled investment in early years in the past four years. The next Government will have to continue that significant ramp-up in spending in this area. It is some of the best money the State can spend.

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