Ms Michele Akerlind:

I have three quick points. I agree with my colleague Ms Reilly about having a degree-led workforce, but there needs to be access to the degree on a part-time basis from all colleges and universities, and there also needs to be some financial support.

ECCE needs to be provided 48 weeks a year for full-day care for working parents. I am a huge advocate of encouraging men into such a female-dominated workforce. However, the reality is that we will not get men in the workforce unless wages are increased.