Ms Maria Corbett:

Let me clarify my opening remarks. I noted that there has been a big shift in early childhood care and education. I was thinking according to a long timeline. I was thinking about the fact that when Ireland started to get involved, public support associated with child care was seen through the lens of getting women into the labour force. That lens has shifted and I hope it is now more child-centred in its focus. That was part of my thinking. I acknowledge there have been some very positive initiatives, such as the free preschool year. The report card since the issuing of the programme for Government shows that initiatives start off well because they are exciting and there is a new commitment, and positive statements are made. However, our experience, reflected across the report card, is that when it comes to implementation, it becomes hard for us to see the progress year on year. The commitment when structures and programmes are set up initially is greater than that associated with the actual delivery. This is the nub of the problem in many other sectors also. I echo the comment that we need a clear national strategy, a vision, a budget and the political will to stay focused on this issue. The challenges are very significant if we are to get it right. This is an area in which we really need a seismic shift if we are to get things right for children.

The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 has yet to be commenced. That was really important legislation that allows for soft information vetting to be included as part of the good work the bureau is doing. This is a real child protection concern.