Ms Bernie McNally:

The Minister asked me to respond to Deputy Tom Neville on the issue of qualifications. There are a limited number of other ways in which people without a relevant qualification may work in services. However, I reiterate the point made by the Minister that, in our view, it is good for children that they are looked after by a qualified workforce. There is broad agreement on this matter, as is reflected in the development of regulations in this area. There are, however, a number of exceptions. The Deputy will be aware that we have provided for a grandfather clause, under which some people who do not have the necessary qualification and intend to retire in the next few years may continue to work in the sector for a limited period.

Under level 7 of the new access and inclusion model, a range of supports are provided for access and inclusion. We are providing for a capitation sum of approximately €13 per hour for individuals who can come to a preschool room and support the preschool leader in providing an inclusive service for all the children in the room. Under the regulations, we do not require that such persons must, in every instance, have a level 5 qualification. The Deputy referred to a health qualification. He or she may have a health qualification, for example, because a child may have particular care needs. Some allowance is made under the access and inclusion model.

The Department of Education and Skills has responsibility for reviewing the courses on offer. It is important that courses feature RPL or recognition of prior learning. This means that where a person applies to take a course that features eight modules, it should be possible to reduce the number of modules to reflect other work the applicant has done. RPL is very important and the Department of Education and Skills is working with us and all education providers on the issue.