Jillian van Turnhout (Independent)
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As always, the Minister is very welcome to the committee. I thank her for outlining all that is happening and for her responses to questions. I am disappointed that the Children First Bill is still delayed. I realise the legal difficulties. This committee had very good hearings on the issue over a year ago so all committee members are aware. In the absence of Children First, I fear people do not realise the responsibility. Reporting is the right thing to do, and it is unfortunate that we must legislate for people to do the right thing, but we have seen too many cases where people have not reported. In the absence of that legislation, is there something we can do as an immediate measure? Perhaps I might give that more consideration. We must send a clear message to anybody employed by the State or in receipt of funding from the State that it will be unacceptable and there will be sanctions if they do not appropriately report any concerns about a child's welfare or protection.

I look forward to welcoming the national child care quality standards, on which the Minister is working. Will this cover childminders, particularly registered childminders? I am not talking about an informal arrangement under which I mind my nephews for two hours.

Rather, I am referring to childminders who are employed. What of au pairs? Their situation seems to have fallen between the gaps. It is meant to be an informal cultural exchange. When used in that way, it is perfect. The Migrant Rights Centre Ireland has done an excellent report on this subject. Some au pairs are being used as unsupervised and unvetted childminders in precarious situations. We should be cognisant of this.

As an Independent and if what I have heard is true, I was surprised and disappointed to learn that my colleague, Deputy Naughten-----