Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)

I cannot and will not underestimate how important it is that we get this right. However, I am also conscious that it is an evolving and live situation. Things change and move with time. From every step of the way of the introduction of core funding, there have been learnings, notwithstanding the fact that there is a significant evaluation of the first year of core funding, and how this evaluation will examine the early implementation of core funding and make recommendations for future changes and additions that we might be able to make for the grant. As I have said, the findings of that will be published in and around the first quarter of 2025 or thereafter. The Deputy made a very strong point that, where there is sufficient childcare, it ensures that we have equality of access to the labour market. I do not think that we should forget that. It is a worthwhile investment. There is more to be done, but the work is well under way.

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