James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Chairman. I will begin with Deputy Troy's questions. He mentioned the Association of Childhood Professionals and the recent rally, to which I alluded in my opening remarks. He specifically mentioned a reduction in the early childhood care education, ECCE, programme of €2 million. This is directly due to the reduction in the numbers who are availing of it because of the reduction in the population; it is no more than that. This programme is very well supported by parents as is evident by the fact that 95% of the children eligible to avail of it have done so.

Deputy Troy referred to the capitation grant. That is something I am keen to see happen and I will be lobbying for it in terms of funding. The Deputy said I indicated that the pay and conditions were solely the remit of employers. I do not recall using the word "solely" but I did definitely say they are the remit of employers, and they are. Again, that issue will be looked at through the interdepartmental group. On two occasions the Deputy said that I have dismissed tax credits. I have never done so. I have never ruled out tax credits. What I said in the House was that the OECD has pointed out that it does not deliver in a way that people might expect. Clearly that would inform any view. The final decision on that would be for Government in terms of deliberating on the recommendations of the interdepartmental group. The Deputy further asked that we should refer the issue to the low pay commission in regard to child care workers, for whom I have the height of admiration and regard as they do a very professional job. Money spent on this area is money that yields the greatest return, not just for children in terms of improved outcomes but also for society generally. An integral part of being sustainable in this area is to make sure we have a sustainable workforce. That is something we will be looking at.