Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the ladies for their presentation this morning. I want to declare that I was a providers' representative on a city and county child care board. Therefore, I have a good understanding of how the committees work. I compliment all the good work done throughout the country.

My questions are somewhat along the lines of everything that has gone before. I am keen to know what contributions the city and county committees have made to national policy, as opposed to the committees being directed by national policy. What contributions have the committees made to government? When I refer to Government, I mean the Department of Finance and the question of private providers and commercial rates. I am keen to know what contributions the committees have made in respect of the new affordable child care scheme. It is now universal and it looks after private and community operations. What recommendations have the committees made to the Department? The committees represent the main voice for 95% of the people. What have the committees been hearing?

What do the committees see as the three biggest issues affecting child care providers?

What new policies have the committees implemented? Previously, myself and another child care provider wrote a policy for Government in respect of accidents and emergencies in 2011 and 2012. What new policies are the committees bringing along? Child care is so new in this country. At the same time the committees are providing policy support. Is there a standard throughout the country? Is one city and county child care committee similar to all others? Are the committees assessed? Is there a standard baseline in respect of what providers should expect? Are the committees metered or quality controlled? What way is it done? Is the committee in Dublin similar to the committee in Galway and Limerick? Is there standardisation of the services that the committees provide in order that there is no dip for providers, regardless of where they set up?