Shane Cassells (Meath West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

We also have an ever-expanding early years education sector. It has come from nowhere in the past two decades but has come under huge pressure because of the demands of parents and pressure exerted by the Government. Schemes are being rolled out at a quick rate all over the country, but the required staff cannot be found for these services. As the Department is also rolling out the second free preschool year, can Dr. Lynch say the staff have been adequately trained to identify potential cases of neglect and abuse? Other committees have seen the extent of neglect in nursing homes at the other end of the age spectrum, but this is an embryonic system which is going through massive change.

The Department is putting serious pressure on early years centres to roll out a second year. I am asking about the quality and training of the staff in terms of identifying potential neglect and abuse. Is Dr. Lynch satisfied that the Department is giving adequate support to the private and community sectors? Dr. Lynch referred to prevention and early intervention. This is one of the greatest fears of staff when it comes to reporting problems. Mostly, it is young women in their early 20s who work in the sector. It is a major issue. There is a fear associated with reporting. There is a problem with the procedures and training necessary to identify issues.