Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ar an gcéad dul síos chun an fhírinne a rá, cé acu as Béarla nó as Gaeilge, ní féidir a shéanadh go bhfuil an-dul chun cinn déanta ag an Stát chun gach tacaíocht a thabhairt don earnáil seo. Tá na figiúirí agam arís. Lean ar aghaidh liom anois. The flat rate for services registered on the Tusla early years register of sessional only, which is a preschool service offering a programme for a total of not more than three and a half hours, increased from €4,075 to €5,000. This will strengthen support for sessional-only services, which typically operate for shorter hours per week and fewer weeks per year. The minimum base-rate allocation increased from €8,150 to €14,000. This is the minimum amount of funding a centre-based service will receive through the base rate and ensures a minimum guaranteed income for services. The maximum base-rate allocation decreased from €600,000 to €500,000. I absolutely understand where the Deputy's heart is because the provision of these services is so integral to the life cycle within the community. He should be under no illusion; we are absolutely committed. We are doing it by making the money available and making the provision available. We will do all that is needed in future. I absolutely accept his bona fides.

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