Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the witnesses for being here before us today.

My first set of questions is for Ms Teresa Heeney. Is she a childcare provider? Many providers are on the Covid social payment. What are her thoughts on that? Was she surprised when the Department of Children and Youth Affairs pulled funding from the childcare schemes? How many providers does Early Childhood Ireland represent as a percentage of the sector? It provides an insurance scheme for providers at a discount. Is there any other reasonable insurance scheme of which providers can avail? Early Childhood Ireland represents providers and staff. Does Ms Heeney think it is possible to represent both providers and staff?

Does the Association of Childhood Professionals support grant-aiding private childcare providers to cover their operational costs for what has happened in the past four months? Regarding childcare for front-line staff, is it true to say better consultation with providers on the ground would have achieved better results?

Early Childhood Ireland has been in existence for many years along with the Association of Childhood Professionals. However, providers believe their interests are not being represented. New organisations are springing up all the time. The Federation of Early Childhood Providers sees issues for full day care providers. Is this not a sad indictment of representation in the sector?

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs said it has increased funding in the sector but providers have got nothing. Many are using Covid payments to pay bills for their services while relying on loans and family for subsistence living. Do the witnesses think this is right?

Perhaps Ms Heeney would address that.