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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Childcare funding

Summary

Deputy Whitmore criticised the National Recovery and Resilience Plan for not setting aside extra money for early years and childcare. The Taoiseach replied that childcare had already been heavily supported through budgetary provision and existing schemes.

Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

Thank you, Taoiseach. We are out of time. I call the Social Democrats.

Comment on this

Today, the Government published the National Recovery and Resilience Plan. It is also Global Day for Parents. That is ironic because, despite the €915 million being allocated in the economic plan, there does not appear to be a single additional cent set aside for investment in early years and childcare. That is despite childcare being a fundamental foundation for the economy and for gender equality and despite our embarrassingly low investment in childcare. Will the Taoiseach explain why he did not use this opportunity to invest significantly and properly in our early years and childcare sector and in families across Ireland?

Comment on this
Catherine Connolly An Leas-Cheann Comhairle Independent

I thank the Deputy for her brevity.

Comment on this

We have invested very heavily in childcare this year, and in early years, not just through budgetary provision but also through the extension of the variety of support schemes-----

Comment on this

There is no additional money in the budget for childcare.

Comment on this

-----we have allowed for in today's plan. It has been quite substantial.

Comment on this