Minister Norma Foley on new state childcare locations
Summary
Irish Children's Minister Norma Foley discusses the government's announcement of seven new state-provided early learning and childcare centers, which will create over 700 not-for-profit places to address supply shortfalls. She explains that the state is stepping in to provide infrastructure where private providers have not, aiming to lower costs for parents and support the sector's workforce. The interview also covers upcoming budget measures to tackle child poverty and fulfill program commitments, as well as the minister's response to a recent public sector work-to-rule action in schools.
Topics discussed
Sponsor: BKF Sea bare knuckle fighting cruise
Show intro: The Hard Shoulder with Kira Kelly
Announcement of 7 new state-funded childcare locations
Minister Foley explains state role in providing infrastructure
List of locations and not-for-profit status
Employment models and provider fees
Integration into the Core Funding Model
Building purchases, fit-outs, and local authority partnerships
Childcare infrastructure in new housing developments
State stepping in due to market shortfall
Broader strategy: places, workforce, and costs
Impact on parent fees and €200 cost target
Support for providers and children
Budget measures for childcare subvention and child poverty
Government commitment to Program for Government goals
Concerns over public sector union work-to-rule
Call for discussion and show sign-off
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