Update from Ailbhe Conneely

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has said significant money went into the area of childcare over the last five years, but parents did not see a reduction in fees and childcare professionals did not see an increase in their take-home pay.

At a briefing about Budget 2021, Minister Roderic O'Gorman was asked why there was no additional investment into Early Years Education and afterschool care, given that the costs of childcare in Ireland are among the highest in the EU.

The Minister said an expert funding model would be established to ensure that funding will go to those working in the sector and that a reduction in fees to parents are achieved.

He said there would be more investment in the National Childcare Scheme in Budget 2022, which will further these goals.