Jillian van Turnhout (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am conscious of that. This comes back to the value we accord to a primary school professional versus an after-school professional and looking at the qualifications of someone in the profession. The issue of professionals having to sign on for 14 weeks of the year also must be addressed. Has consideration been given, for example, to having continuing professional development days for part of that time or to other ways of increasing the number of weeks of the first year?

Another issue is the capacity of the sector. We see new places opening up but I also hear of several places closing down and exiting the market. Throughout the country there are variances and discrepancies in the number of places. What role can the State play in ensuring places are allowed to open in some areas, while in others being able to say there are enough places? I am concerned about the number of places that are closing.

I strongly support a model of investment in early years education.