Thomas Gould (Cork North-Central, Sinn Fein)

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Sinn Féin policy was to deliver childcare for €10 a day or €200 a month and then, lo and behold, just before the general election, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael said this was going to be their new policy as well and they would deliver it if re-elected. It has not been delivered. What is the timeline for the Government to deliver childcare for €10 a day or €200 a month? Will it be in this year's budget? Will it be in next year's budget? The Minister said she would phase it in. I am not sure whether she said it would be done over the lifetime of this Government or over a period of time. I am looking for clarity on that because, at the end of the day, commitments were given and they must be honoured.

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