Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Very well. While the comparison is being made with primary schools, they were set up in 1831 and I can tell the delegates that there are still problems in primary school education. Three years ago, on foot of the results from PISA, it was a huge wake-up call. We are at a watershed, in that early childhood provision is under consideration. It was examined previously in the middle of the huge Celtic tiger period in which money was flung left, right and centre and wasted. It was thrown at buildings; buildings that probably were not needed were built in villages and towns. Now, however, this is the important part and where everyone must work together to make sure the best model is acquired for children in the first instance, as they are the most important people in this debate.

Ms Quinn mentioned a figure of 25,000 teachers or educationists involved in delivery. Perhaps she might not have the statistics to hand, but one issue is whether we will have a graduate force. Out of the aforementioned 25,000 people, how many have qualifications to FETAC levels 5, 6, 7 and 8 in order that we can raise standards for everyone? I am aware of the work done in St. Nicholas Montessori College Ireland in the training of Montessori teachers. I am also aware that many of the teachers who qualify wish to go back into the primary system because it is better paid and there are better terms and conditions. Consequently, it is difficult to hold qualified graduates in the early childhood sector.

I want the numbers. The ladies have given a fantastic vision today and Ms McCormilla said she was looking at some figures. What kind of figures is she looking at? We have to manage what is delivered but we also have to manage expectation. It is very easy for some people to promise the world but it does not work like that any more. There have to be budgets and someone has to pay. We have to know if there is value for money so I want to know what moneys the witnesses are thinking about.

We in Government want the best and we are at a watershed but the witnesses should not be taken in by people who will promise them the world. We are trying to do what is best for children and for the sector, to make sure we attract people and maintain a really good workforce who can get mortgages. I know plenty of preschool teachers who cannot get mortgages and that is not good enough.