Imelda Henry (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am sorry I was not here for all the earlier presentations. I have been a public representative since 2004 and I am a mother of two children, so child care has always been an important issue for me. For many years, in the so-called good times, not much was done in this country in child care. We are lucky that we have a Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and many positive things have changed. Anyway, a great deal needs to be done. Many issues have been discussed at the committee today. I am not going to go over them again but I agree that it is a complex area and we have a great deal more to do.

The cost of child care is a major issue for many parents. I meet the County Sligo Childcare Committee regularly. The committee does wonderful work. Many of the providers are providing an excellent service for the children of this country; there is no question about it. However, I believe there are many issues. The people who work in this area are very well qualified but very underpaid.

I would be very supportive that this is something we need to deal with soon. I have three things I want to say. I know Senator van Turnhout mentioned au pairs. I want to make it clear that I have friends who have au pairs. The people I know who use au pairs are people who work unsociable hours not nine-to-five jobs. There is a very reputable agency in this country, and I would not like for it to come from this committee that people who have au pairs do not have vetted au pairs. They are vetted through an agency.