Dr. Maria O'Dwyer:

I will add to what Mr. Chance said to the Senator in terms of recruitment. In terms of the early years, we were making significant waves at the last budget. The allocation for 4,700 new early years professionals is definitely something to be celebrated and championed. However, we would be very cautious in terms of advising on the quality assurance, the training and the continuous professional development that accompanies that process. To date, the early years have been lagging behind and while it is being addressed, there needs to be a simultaneous process with new recruits and support being put in to protect that cohort because quality, as we know, in terms of early years provision and providers is quality for children on the ground in the service they receive.