Results 621-640 of 1,046,567 for in 'Dáil debates' OR (speaker:Damien English OR speaker:Thomas Gould OR speaker:Éamon Ó Cuív OR speaker:Patrick Costello OR speaker:Éamon Ó Cuív42 OR speaker:Peter Burke OR speaker:Carol Nolan) in 'Committee meetings'

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Social Enterprise Sector (2 Oct 2024)

Seán Sherlock: On the point Deputy Kerrane makes, in his public utterances I perceive that the Minister is very cautious about saying anything overt about the need for a public, State-funded model. We all acknowledge the incremental progress that has been made as regards the supports provided by the State. Where is the Minister's thinking, based on the Taoiseach's comments, around the idea that we align...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Social Enterprise Sector (2 Oct 2024)

Roderic O'Gorman: In response to Deputy Kerrane, I am absolutely happy to look at that proposal. She might make sure it gets to me herself. I cannot commit here and now to making the payment but I will definitely look at it. In response to Deputy Sherlock, I do not think I have been very cautious. I have set out, from my party's point of view, a view of a step towards legislating for ECCE as a legal...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Social Enterprise Sector (2 Oct 2024)

Seán Sherlock: I do not want to cause a row, and I accept that the Minister sets out his party's view, but, with all due respect to him, he is here as the Minister, so what is the Minister's view? With all due respect to him, it is not a matter for me what the Minister's position is as leader of a party. I am asking the question to the Minister of the day about a publicly funded model.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Social Enterprise Sector (2 Oct 2024)

Roderic O'Gorman: I thank the Deputy for informing me of my role; I appreciate his advice.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Social Enterprise Sector (2 Oct 2024)

Seán Sherlock: Can the Minister not separate the two roles?

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Social Enterprise Sector (2 Oct 2024)

Roderic O'Gorman: The Deputy has taken Deputy Kerrane's time now. I will reply to his question.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Social Enterprise Sector (2 Oct 2024)

Seán Sherlock: I thank the Minister.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Social Enterprise Sector (2 Oct 2024)

Roderic O'Gorman: I would argue that there is already strong alignment in respect of the curriculum, the aistear and síolta curriculums, which flows through the ECCE process and into junior infants and senior infants. There is already strong integration in respect of the curriculum approach. I think where we agree is on the level of State intervention, which is complete in respect of junior infants but...

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Social Enterprise Sector (2 Oct 2024)

Question No. 7 taken with Written Answers.

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Childcare Services (2 Oct 2024)

Childcare Services

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Childcare Services (2 Oct 2024)

Alan Farrell: 8. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on his Department's efforts to further reduce the cost of childcare in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39013/24]

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Childcare Services (2 Oct 2024)

Alan Farrell: Timing is everything. I would like to ask a question about the Minister's vision for budget 2025 and the further investments he proposes to reduce the cost of childcare for parents up and down the country but also in addition to the question that has been legitimately asked, and that is about public childcare funding. I am delighted to hear the Labour Party reiterate its position on that....

Ceisteanna Eile - Other Questions: Childcare Services (2 Oct 2024)

Roderic O'Gorman: We were able to announce a 25% increase in funding for early years in my Department yesterday, a very significant increase in funding. What that will do in 2025 I draw into three distinct areas. As the Deputy knows, in 2024, we were able to achieve a second very significant cut in fees for parents through the national childcare scheme and, because of that, more parents are signing up to...

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Mother and Baby Homes (2 Oct 2024)

Catherine Connolly: You have gone way over time on that.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Mother and Baby Homes (2 Oct 2024)

Roderic O'Gorman: Apologies.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Mother and Baby Homes (2 Oct 2024)

Catherine Connolly: That is okay. I have allowed it given the sensitivity of the topic.

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Childcare Services (2 Oct 2024)

Childcare Services

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Childcare Services (2 Oct 2024)

Gino Kenny: 5. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the plans to increase childcare places; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39160/24]

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Childcare Services (2 Oct 2024)

Gino Kenny: My question is about the provision of childcare in the State. This is a burning question for the upcoming general election and has been for the last number of decades, related to childcare provision becoming unaffordable for many parents. What measures has the Government taken in terms of increasing childcare provision in the State?

Ceisteanna ar Sonraíodh Uain Dóibh - Priority Questions: Childcare Services (2 Oct 2024)

Roderic O'Gorman: I thank the Deputy for his question. Improving access to quality and affordable early learning and childcare is a key priority for me as Minister. The data available shows that the level of capacity in the sector has risen substantially in recent years. However, I am aware that nationally, and in my own constituency as well, some parents are having difficulty in locating the type of...