Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy McGuinness. The two witnesses clarified that consultation was lacking, if it existed at all, particularly with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. While I do not know at this stage why I am ever shocked by anything I hear in the Oireachtas anymore, it is unbelievable that the Department was not in consultation with the witnesses. Ms Ní Sheaghdha made the point that this issue has not gone away and has not been resolved. What can be done to rectify the situation for healthcare workers? In particular, can the representative of SIPTU speak about the childcare and early years workers as well? One thing this has shown is not only how invaluable the role of the front-line workers is but also how invaluable the early years and childcare sector is. It has been neglected, unfortunately, as well as underfunded and taken for granted for a long time by the Government. The pandemic has highlighted that. What can we do, particularly in view of the fact that there is talk of a potential phase 2 and that there might have to be another lockdown? We do not know that, but what can be done? I doubt that anybody could sustain some of the examples the witnesses have given, such as spending weeks without their children and having to rely on family members. Nobody should have to do that anyway, but it certainly could not be sustained into the future. What do the witnesses see as the solutions that would benefit their members? They should also bear in mind the people who work in the early years and childcare sector. That is probably more relevant for SIPTU as it has a specific unit, the Big Start campaign, that deals with childcare workers.