Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Ms Quinn. It is important that people listening to this debate understand the complexities that the providers operate under. Earlier today, like many other Deputies driving to Leinster House, I listened to the radio. The Federation of Early Childhood Providers was quoted as saying in a newspaper that the Department does not even understand its own package of supports which fall short, will force children with additional needs to stay at home and will leave a massive black hole in the finances of early years providers. This is a bleak assessment and will leave many providers and parents worried. I am following on from my colleague, Deputy Norma Foley, who talked about the AIM model and children of varying abilities who might not be included in phase 1 of childcare reopening as part of phase 3. In regard to the expert advisory group, I want to tease out with the witnesses whether there has been a conversation about July or August provision for children who will need to reintegrate and will need such services more than others.