Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank SIPTU for coming in today. I will be honest; the presentation has been quite comprehensive. SIPTU has been engaging with all of us on this issue for quite some time. I do not really have any questions. As Deputy Murnane O'Connor said, the fact that SIPTU has been engaging with us for quite some time and nothing has changed is reflective of the need for change.

I will share my experience. The very fact that the system we have at the minute is not working for anyone is really reflective of the sorry mess we are in. We know parents who are struggling to find a crèche place. When they get one, they struggle to pay the bills. We hear that operators are struggling to make ends meet. The staff are incredibly dedicated. Any of the staff I have met are warm and so child-focused and yet they are struggling in terms of their career, salary, and, as Deputy Murnane O'Connor mentioned, being able to buy a house.

The fact that the system is really not working for anyone shows that a huge level of change is needed. I am very grateful to the witnesses for coming in. I have been talking with the Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, about this, as, I know, other members of this committee have. I am grateful to the witnesses for continuing to fight the good fight and continuing with the campaign. I will leave it there and let others use my time.