Today, thousands of early years education and childcare workers went on strike and protested outside the Dáil. They did this because their sector is being destroyed by the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman. He is literally closing down childcare services in this State. He actually said the strike was unwarranted. Is it not a bit rich for a Minister on a salary of €183,000 per year to tell providers and staff, many of whom are on salaries less than the minimum wage, that a strike is not necessary? Is it not a bit rich for him to tell workers who are going into personal debt to keep the businesses open that their strike is not necessary? The Minister is hammering the childcare sector, a sector led mostly by women and that mostly involves small family operators, mostly located in provincial towns and villages where there is no other option available. At the same time, he is boosting the coffers of the large multinational operators in the cities. He seems to be living in a parallel universe.

Thank you, Deputy. The time is up.

The people outside the gates are saying something completely different from the Minister. If he cannot keep childcare open, should he not resign?

That is unfair and inaccurate. Under the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, the budget for childcare and early years education has increased dramatically. It is in excess of €1 billion now. Fees have come down for parents this year and they will come down again. Pay and terms and conditions have improved for the staff in the sector and will improve again. As the Deputy knows, the vast majority of childcare and early years services are open today and are not taking part in the protest.

Why are they striking?

Out of touch.