Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 19 October 2016

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Youth Affairs

National Collaborative Forum for the Early Years Care and Education Sector: Early Childhood Ireland

10:00 am

Photo of Maire DevineMaire Devine (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for coming in. Ireland has the highest birth rate in Europe and has done for decades. However, conversely we have the worst possible child-care arrangements. We broadly welcome this engagement and I said so in the Seanad yesterday. It is a kick-start.

Money has been allocated for the recruitment of the social care staff. Where will those staff come from? Will they be under the auspices of the HSE or under the auspices of the private care providers? I understand there are about 50 community child-care centres. Just last week the F2 centre in my area in Rialto was threatened with closure. Will this help them survive in the community child centre? It is community based. The rent for the building is provided for. There is certainly a big uproar from the parents in the area and the staff in the centre.

How does Ms Hilliard feel this scheme will help her practically? Are there any positive implications for her right now?

I would be wary of the over-regulation of care by grandparents or other relatives. It is more within the community. I dread becoming a grandparent because I really do not want to look after children. I have done my time. Many grandparents would feel the pressure to do it. This may well help them to say, "No" and send the children elsewhere.

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