Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In response to Senator Richmond, it was only in September that measures to increase affordability for parents rolled out. The Senator referred to aftercare. Many of the targeted supports are geared towards supporting aftercare.

I was asked about the 15-hour as opposed to 18-hour contracts. It is a really excellent question. I will pursue that and at least have the negotiations. I acknowledge the support Senators have offered. I ask them to continue to agitate in the way they are doing and that they support the vision and the genuineness I have displayed by means of my actions and what I have achieved in the context of the past two budgets.