With regard to special needs, the witnesses stated in their submission: "A properly resourced framework of supports... [for children with special needs] co-ordinated at local level through Childcare Committees is urgently required for providing equality of participation for all children." Can they explain exactly what that framework of supports involves, what steps it would entail and what are the immediate steps to be taken to create that system?

Regarding those in the sector holding a level 7 or level 8 degree, it is stated in one of the presentations that "12.8% of educators working in the sector only hold a degree at level 7-8 in early childhood education and care". We understand the reason that is the case. The wages and terms and conditions are dreadful. Those in the sector have a 38-week work year and some of them might have to sign on the dole for the summer months. They cannot obtain a mortgage or a car loan. Why would one stay in a job where the conditions are so terrible? Obviously, people in the sector love what they do, but staying in it is not sustainable if one wants to have a better lifestyle. There is no incentive to move from a level 5 or level 6 up to level 7 or level 8. We were given figures at one of our committee meetings last week that those who are obtaining a degree at level 7 or level 8 are not staying in the sector. They are moving on to teaching or to other areas. The answer to this issue is resources and funding. Those in the sector have to be paid what they are worth. They must be treated as educators and not as childminders. I would just make that comment because the witnesses have outlined the situation very well in their presentation. It is difficult to ask them questions on it because they have given all the answers to the questions as they have moved along. It is a very good presentation.

The roll-out of the Aistear and Síolta frameworks seems to be a major problem. How can we roll them out? It was stated by some people who came before the committee that perhaps the roll-out of it should be introduced at one of the lower levels as a module in itself and that might address one part of it. Would the witnesses agree with that view? Also, emphasis was placed by the Department on people being able to educate themselves online. I believe that this was actually stated, but education is about mentoring and it is also about one-to-one interaction. It cannot be about a box-ticking exercise. I cannot see how that would work. Would the witnesses agree with that point?

I note in the recommendations in one of the presentations that with regard to the Síolta and Aistear frameworks it is stated that "it is important to note that neither framework has been implemented universally". It is obvious that it needs to be. It is also stated in the presentation: "Alongside the enactment of the practice frameworks, there must be a nationally funded implementation plan." I would not disagree with anything there.

I wish to ask each of the witnesses that if they were to make one change in the morning and make it a priority, what is the one change they would want to see implemented?