Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will follow the point made by the Minister that the primary focus must be on the child. That is true. It is interesting to note what the economist, Mr. Gray, had to say. Economists normally tend to dwell on facts, figures and statistics. However, he has made the point that if we do not support the long-term unemployed in getting back into the workforce, children from such families tend not to develop in the same way as children from families who are working. A strong point was made that in times of limited resources there was a need to target funding at those most in need.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak on this matter again. As the Minister knows, my party raised it during Private Members' business in the Dáil last week. It is only right and proper that this debate is being held and broadened to ensure we tackle the issue, but we must do more than just debate it; we must bring forward workable solutions. There is no point in just debating it and being a talking shop; we need to bring forward workable solutions.

I am somewhat disappointed to learn that the promised review of the two CET schemes has not commenced. The Minister has stated in her document that it will commence. It is important that it does and it should be a priority. My understanding is that one of the schemes is closed to new entrants, if not both of them. As currently operated - the Minister alluded to this fact - they are not nationwide and the opportunity to avail of them largely depends on where a child lives. I do not think this is fair or appropriate.

The Minister and others, including the representatives of Start Strong and the Donegal County Childcare Committee, have spoken about childminders. This morning members of the committee spoke about this issue, including the fact that childminders were unregulated. The representative of the Donegal child care committee cited as one of the reasons there was a lack of registration the fact that the Minister's Department had abolished the post in county child care committees in the past two years. Therefore, people do not consider they have a point of contact. The vetting legislation that passed through the Oireachtas 12 or 18 months ago did not include a requirement for childminders to register. My party tabled an amendment on the matter. We also tabled an amendment to the new Child and Family Agency Bill, but, again, it was not accepted. When will the new national standards be published? What level of consultation has there been with practitioners?

The Minister talked about schemes. She said she had worked closely with the Department of Social Protection, but she made no mention of an after school scheme that had been announced in a previous budget that would target 5,000 children. How many children will avail of this scheme and when will it be rolled out nationally? I know that it is operated on a targeted basis.