Ms Marian Quinn:

There are many different models of provision. There are preschools and crèches. There are local needs in regional and rural areas. Centre-based care for children in their own area is what people want. That is a reality that needs to be looked after. We know there are issues in urban areas. In rural areas one sees rural decay, where Garda stations, shops and schools are being lost, and they are in danger of losing their preschools because they might not be a financially economical model, despite being fundamental to what is happening in local communities. Sustainability is huge and the funding model needs to be addressed in terms of how best to meet the needs of parents in respect of affordability and accessibility, how best to meet the needs of children in terms of quality, locally based provision, and how best to meet the needs of providers in terms of sustainability and for them to be able to attract and retain the staff they need to be able to deliver high-quality services. Those matters are a significant focus for us.