Shane Moynihan (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I recognise the huge progress that has been made in giving stability to that sector and shoring it up. That public investment is extremely welcome, not only because of the relief it gives working parents, but also ensuring full participation in the labour market for men and women, that they do not have to worry about the cost of childcare. One of the hallmarks of how core funding has been improved in the previous four years - which has been very positive and I am keen for it to continue - is that engagement between the Department, parents and providers and that parents who have rightly seen the great progress being made in reducing the cost of childcare are not necessarily left with a provider that will exit the core funding scheme. It is not necessarily that the provider would close, but that it would exit the core funding scheme. The review the Minister has alluded to is important, and I look forward to seeing the results of the evaluation.

I also welcome the Minister's clarification today that a body of work is being done on the administrative burden faced by childcare providers, which, compared to the Minister's previous portfolio in schools and so on, there is a bit of difference there in respect of how much administrative work is required of childcare providers versus schools.

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