Peter Cleere (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

What impact does the Minister foresee if her Department is prevented from passing on the pay increase to childcare staff? I know the money is ring-fenced but if the Minister is not in a position to do it, what impact would that have? More importantly, would it be unlikely that future budgets would provide for pay increases in the sector? The provision of €45 million in 2025 is fantastic, but if we cannot get that allocated, what impact will that have on future budgets?

To ensure every child has the best possible start in life, we must guarantee the availability of affordable, accessible childcare to all families. I hear this week in, week out. I welcome the Minister's earlier comment that the ambition is to have a cap of €200 per month on childcare for all families.

That is very welcome. Implementation of the increased pay rates is essential for building capacity in the sector. We need that €45 million to be allocated to support further increases to the minimum rates of pay for the childcare sector.

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