Ms Bernie McNally:

I would like to respond to some of the Deputy's opening remarks. The anger she spoke about, we have all felt. In the context of accountability and performance, we have been before the committee several times to discuss early learning and care and school-age childcare. I was in attendance with the Minister when the Deputy led the debate on the motion relating to early learning care some years ago. On every occasion, this committee has recognised that we have a massive amount to do to improve access to affordable and high-quality early learning and care and school-age childcare. There has been recognition, by the committee and in the motion to which I refer, that a great deal has been done in a short period. There are limited resources with which to do this but much has changed in the sector over a few years. To be fair to everybody, we should acknowledge that much has been achieved but that there is a lot more to do. I assure the Deputy that the Department is absolutely and utterly committed to continuing that work, with the committee's support and its feedback on further improvements. We committed to it in the context of the First 5 strategy. It is a priority for our Minister and our Secretary General.