Erin McGreehan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses. Childcare is something that we all take very seriously across the parties and across the Houses. It is at the forefront of the thoughts of many of us here, including myself as a mammy of four boys. Childcare is very relevant.

First, I congratulate the Department on its work because there have been massive changes in childcare provision over the past couple of years. I note in the opening statement that the doubling of State investment over the period was exceeded five years in advance, which is not to be put down and, as was said, that is not including the €1 billion for the sector over the Covid-19 period. In periods of dramatic change, there are going to be times of flux. Things are moving quickly and things have to change, and I hope the flexibility in the Department will work with the whole system because, as we know, times are changing.

I have a few questions, similar to the points made by Deputy Dillon in regard to the regulatory and administrative burden on childcare providers. This is something that comes to us quite often - in fact, more than quite often – and it has been the theme of much of our correspondence and conversation with providers. I note what was said in regard to the action plan for administrative and regulatory simplification. What are the timelines for that and for the action plans? What can we expect from those administrative changes? There are always ways to simplify reporting methods. We will agree that there are burdensome parts to what the Department has put down, and there is a learning for the service providers also. What can we expect from the timelines and what can we expect in that action plan for change?

I would like to know a bit more about the Building Blocks capital programme and how it will work to meet the long-term needs. There was a group in here last week who spoke about modelling and how the Department of Education will look at birth rates and the projections for what is needed in a certain area. What is the Department doing in this regard to make sure there is childcare provision in all geographic areas?

Another question concerns the workforce. Obviously, a huge part of core funding is to ensure that the workforce is properly paid and supported because if we do not do that, then we are not serious about the professionalisation of the sector. What supports will be given to the workforce on an individual level or a service level to ensure that the workforce is professionalised and that target is reached and expanded on?