Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their comments. I very much agree with their intentions, objectives and the sentiments they have expressed. How Deputy Rabbitte articulated, at length, her concerns and rationale for ensuring that a process of providing support and care for the children, particularly in the context of section 14, must be done in a way that is child-centred and supports the child was very helpful. It is really helpful for the remarks made by the Deputies to be on record as we move towards enacting the Bill. The reason I say so is because these are procedures that relate to the referrals by statutory bodies under section 14. They will be dealt with in the agreements to be made with each body. These agreements will include the criteria and duration for referrals.

I recognise the value of a graduated withdrawal of supports for families who are in need of additional child care support. Again, I suggest that the Bill already provides the flexibility to provide for this through the referral procedures to be agreed with each relevant statutory body. For example, a referral could provide for a full 12 months of support, which could then be renewed for a further 12-month period, if required. In addition, the current schemes operate on a year-by-year basis and are renewed each September but the affordable child care scheme will operate on a rolling basis. Most successful applicants will receive a 12-month award, at whatever time they apply, to be renewed 12 months later. However, referral agreements will be flexible enough to allow an alternative duration for referrals, which may vary between different statutory bodies.

I will not accept the amendment because the principle of it will be dealt with in the agreements negotiated with the individual statutory bodies. We will ensure that there will be a child-centred approach in the agreements under section 14.