Tom Brabazon (Dublin Bay North, Fianna Fail)
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1896. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will outline, in the context of Budget 2026, whether the proposed additional investment in childcare will be directed solely towards core funding for providers or whether it will also include an increase to the standard national childcare scheme subsidy rate, currently set at €2.14 per hour; and if he will clarify whether consideration is being given to introducing alternative forms of support, such as tax relief or other schemes, for parents who do not qualify for means-tested subsidies. [44968/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Budget 2026 is currently being considered by Government in the context of the annual estimates process, which officials in this Department are actively engaging in. Therefore, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.