Ms June Tinsley:

I thank the members for their comments. On the tax credits issue, I wholeheartedly agree with Deputy Troy from Barnardos' perspective. There is an emphasis on supporting parents getting back to work and tackling child poverty, but in an era where we are trying to get value for money, tax credits are the most expensive option, so I do not believe that is the right route to take. We must also bear in mind that the amount a parent gets in an annual tax credit might work out at approximately €2,000 per annum and if the parent is paying child care fees of €700 to €1000 a month, it is nowhere near what is actually required. It also does not do anything around childminders. Chances are that those who are trying to make that transition from welfare to work are taking up a job that is outside the tax net, so they will not benefit from any tax credits. As Senator van Turnhout said, the move from the early child care supplement to the free preschool year was a game-changer. The emphasis was put on the child and the outcomes for the child. This is an opportunity to continue that discussion by putting the emphasis on the services, knowing that it will improve the child, the sector, the family and, ultimately, wider society, as it will help tackle child poverty. On the question of whether we have the capacity for a second free preschool year, I would personally like to see the quality of the present preschool year enhanced, because at the moment it is varied. I do not think we can jump straight to that point, but I would like to see us get there. We do not have the capacity at present without significant investment. The providers here today have eloquently highlighted the challenges with the services being run, so we cannot jump there just yet, but we should be moving in that direction.