Tom Clonan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

One of my children when in creche, was diagnosed with a neuro-muscular disease at 18 months and has additional needs. The wonderful people who are providing the childcare, Liz and Lena, innovated and wrapped everything around him so he was included in everything. It was a powerful endorsement of his rights as a child to participate fully in the cultural and educational life of the Republic. I saw that example. In response to the statement that it is not broken, I say to my colleagues, especially those who have access to people in the Cabinet who make decisions, there is significant human capital in the sector as regards people's qualifications and their demonstrated commitment, despite all the difficulties. The witnesses know better than I do, that these are the years when we can really intervene in the accelerated emotional, physical, psychological and intellectual development of our youngest citizens. The bang for buck is almost unquantifiable as regards the value to the State of intervening in that way. I ask my colleagues to listen to what is being said here today and to fix the core funding issue and commit to it.

I thank the witnesses and commend them on the hard work they do. I know it is not for the fainthearted.