Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Before beginning, I confirm that I am here in the convention centre, on the banks of the Liffey. I welcome the witnesses and thank them for taking the time to attend the meeting, especially Ms Walsh, who is from Cornanool outside Castlebar. She is very welcome.

The early learning and childcare sectors, along with childminding services, have shown real leadership during the pandemic in remaining open and caring for the children of essential workers at a time of real anxiety across our society. We must acknowledge that. As someone from a rural constituency, I understand the challenges facing parents in accessing childminding and childcare services. It can be extremely difficult, as other members referenced. It is not always feasible to have centre-based providers within a particular geographic area. We need a variety of both home-based and centre-based provision. It is also important that we keep children locally. Having children cared for locally feeds into the preschools, which is hugely important for enrolment numbers in rural national schools. If parents are commuting to nearby towns and must take their children to be minded there, there is a much increased likelihood that those children will go on to attend a primary school there rather than the one down the road from their home.

I have a question for Ms Orbinski Burke on a specific point concerning her opening statement. She said that Childminding Ireland's core objectives are to support and represent childminders but it is chronically restricted in its efforts to do so due to underfunding. Will she outline what level of resources or funding would be necessary to support the organisation under the regulatory and support system for the sector in the years ahead? I would also like to hear from the stakeholders present on their experience to date with the steering group that is overseeing the implementation of the action plan. Do they feel they are getting the required representation and recognition within the decision-making process and being consulted effectively as we move to the implementation stages, including in respect of the workforce development planning process?