I call Deputy Bacik.

In fact, above all else, I am very calm.

I call Deputy Bacik. She should be allowed to speak without interruption.

Last week, I asked the Taoiseach about childcare and if the Government will move more swiftly towards a public childcare model; affordable for parents, fair for professionals and guaranteeing equality for children. I am looking at the Taoiseach and the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Deputy O'Gorman, because I did also acknowledge the steps the Minister has taken towards building that model and the provision of core funding. I want to ask about one specific aspect. Last week, the Taoiseach said that the budget will support a reduction of 25% in childcare fees for parents. In reality, however, and certainly in Dublin, it looks as if the fee reduction parents are likely to see next year will not come close to 25%. Fees in Dublin are significantly higher than the national average. Parents in my constituency are paying as much as €1,000 per month per child. Many parents are unable to access childcare places. Another crèche in my constituency will be closing this week. Will the Taoiseach say what the Government will do to secure affordable childcare for parents?

It is an average cut of 25%. It is €121 million this year. We want to increase it again next year and do better. Overall, it is €259 million this year in core funding. Again, if the Deputy has specific issues, I invite her to take them up with the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth as well. We are getting some concerns articulated by some areas in the wider childcare sector but, by and large, the funding has gone up exponentially in the past two years. Last year, it was used to improve pay and conditions and the employment regulation order was introduced and agreed by unions and employers, which was good, while this year, we are working on affordability to a significant degree. The Minister is whispering to me about his bid for next year in terms of the Estimates but the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform are not here to comment. The Deputy might revert with details on the specific cases.