Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)

The Tánaiste, Simon Harris, promised voters an action plan on childcare within 100 days and here we are 400 days later with nothing to show for that but more empty words. The Minister does not need me to tell him that this sector is at breaking point for service providers, staff and, fundamentally, young families. The Social Democrats have called for a time-limited special Oireachtas committee to develop a pathway for the future vision of childcare and early years education in Ireland. That has fallen on deaf ears. We have asked for this many times previously. There is still no word, still no action plan and still no future vision for childcare. Now that the Tánaiste is the self-appointed Minister for Finance, there are no more excuses. Is the Government going to put its money where its mouth is and follow through on its commitment to €200 a month childcare and, most importantly right now, an action plan for the future of childcare and early years education in Ireland?

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