Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Department for its presentation. Can the witnesses confirm when the Minister will publish the access and inclusion model, AIM, report? It is important that report be published to highlight the areas needing improvement and to give a clearer picture of how the model is working in practice. Budget 2024 highlighted some changes to how AIM is applied. Could we get more information on that for parents and providers? I make the argument that AIM should really be extended beyond the three hours in the morning because children also need supports if they remain in services for the afternoon or after school.

I echo the concerns expressed by my colleagues with regard to the second set of accounts because it is causing a great deal of anxiety for many providers. I do not really understand the rationale for it. It will place a financial and administrative burden on providers. The gathering of accounts is expensive. It could potentially be done through the Revenue system instead. It does not even relate to the providers' financial years.

The rules around the entitlement to have fees paid for absentee children are quite stringent, unworkable and out of step with the rules in other countries. For example, a child might be minded one afternoon by a grandparent or even a parent who does not work. That seems to be affecting capitation. That does not happen in primary school or secondary school if a child is absent or taken out for any reason. Obviously, attendance is monitored but every single day or half-day should not have to be accounted for.

Could we get an update on the pay talks? Is the Department working on a staffing strategy for the sector? Working from budget to budget is causing staffing issues. It would be better if we could have a five-year plan instead. AIM staff working in the sector are trained and face uncertainty as to what is going to happen from one year to another. Many are leaving to work as special needs assistants or to work for Tusla.

I just think there needs to be more consultation done on that.

Dr. Brooks referred to capital funding. An issue that was raised with me is that a number of years ago the Government encouraged primary schools to request preschools to provide a service on the same site, which many did, but now in cases where the school has grown in numbers it requires the accommodation to be returned. Childcare service providers are inquiring about capital funding for relocation and they seem to think it is not available. Perhaps Dr. Brooks could clarify if there is funding available for existing childcare service providers that need to relocate because a primary school needs the space back? This affects a number of providers.