Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his contribution and the contribution of his children to our education system and our sports clubs, etc. I recognise - obviously, I say this sincerely - that the support that is necessary for families is hugely prioritised by the Government. I have already outlined what is being done in terms of availability or the very sustainability of childcare-providing services. To ensure we have a sustainable model, the core funding model has been introduced, with an investment of more than €900 million in the last three years, which is an unprecedented level of State intervention, to ensure that this sector cannot just survive but can do the job of work it intends to do, which is to provide care for children and alleviate issues for parents. There is a very strong body of work under way in my Department in terms of providing additional capacity, which I already referenced, and working towards the €200 target. There are many aspects involved in that and many aspects also involved in State-led provisions, whether it is employment, ownership of buildings or whatever the case might be. That work is commencing within the Department.

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