The programme for Government promises to reduce the cost of childcare for parents. It promises to support staff retention and to develop career paths for childcare staff. Our early childcare educators are skilled and dedicated workers. However, this is not reflected in their pay scales. The majority are surviving on minimum wages. They need the extension and reinstatement of the childcare education payment to 100%. They need the continuation of the employment wage subsidy scheme at the higher rate. They need to be treated as an essential service with prioritised Covid-19 testing. Is the Government going to look after the early childcare educators and fulfil its promises now? Urgency is needed to help this vital sector, without which our economy would not survive.

I thank the Deputy for his question. There is no doubt the early childcare providers have challenges in the context of Covid-19, especially in the recruitment of staffing and staffing difficulties. The Government has given, and continues to give, significant financial support to providers through the wage subsidy scheme to assist in recruiting and retaining staff. I know that the Department of Children and Youth Affairs has been engaging actively with sectoral organisations to gather data and examine proposals to alleviate any immediate pressures. The Department will continue to work with the sector to support it in providing vital services to children and families throughout the country.