Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I ask each of our guests to inform the committee on particular issues relating to front-line workers finding it difficult to access childcare facilities for whatever reason. There is no need to go into specifics. It is important for the committee's work.

I have been involved on the committee of a community crèche and I know one of the challenges is always how to cater for very young babies because of the staff ratio and the amount of space. Generally speaking, it can raise complications but nevertheless it is an essential part of the work done by the sector. There have been calls, particularly from women who were on maternity leave during this period, for a 12-week extension to that leave cover in order to make up for the traumatic experience they have been through. Would such a move assist the sector with managing over the coming months?