To ask the Minister for the Economy for an update on the scoping work required to identify the needs of the childcare sector to support the development of a targeted business support scheme.

The research to determine the financial health and needs of childcare providers is progressing at pace. Consultations have taken place with a cross-section of stakeholder organisations and representative organisations within the Childcare and wider sectors. More detailed consultations with individual childcare providers and parents are taking place at present. The research remains on schedule to complete by March 2025. The resultant evidence base will allow my Department to move quickly to make recommendations to the Minister of Education on the nature of assistance required by Childcare providers.