Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I hear the Deputy's concerns. Government has not been found wanting in terms of investment. Over three years, just short of €900 million has been spent. The level of funding is quite extraordinary, always with the proviso that it delivers for parents, the workers and the providers. Regarding capacity, Government is very cognisant of this issue. The Deputy will note that, in the programme for Government, a specific commitment has been made regarding, that when required, the State can intervene in the provision of service, supplementing and recognising that capacity is also being provided by the private sector. A body of work is under way on this. Early scoping is being done, as I referred to earlier. There is a poll to gather information from parents regarding where they see the logjams might exist. I am very cognisant of the issue of pay and it is a concern for me. We have seen two increases in minimum rates of pay for roles in the sector. These have positively impacted 70% and 50% of the workforce, respectively, but obviously the work is ongoing.

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