Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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I thank the witnesses for their presentation. I have tied in with our local CCC and was on its board years ago. I was the ICTU representative about ten years in Kilkenny so I know a lot about the work done by the CCCs. My first question is about resources and might be difficult to answer. Do the witnesses feel the CCCs are adequately resourced given that there have been so many new schemes like the ECCE scheme and CCS and that the CCCs will now be taking on the affordable child care scheme? The amount of assistance the CCCs must give providers will be huge. It will be a really significant increase. Do the witnesses feel that resources match that or are the CCCs expected to deliver the same service when more and more is added to it each year?

I also wonder about engagement with providers. My own experience is that most providers do engage very well but have the witnesses ever experienced a situation where some early years facilities do not engage as well as others? My other point concerns staff. I welcome the fact that €1 million has been provided for human resources.

Many facilities are under pressure and find it difficult if someone is out sick or if there is a day when it does not meet the child to worker ratio. I realise this is a resource issue, but I am keen to hear the opinions of the city and county child care committee representatives. Is there any possibility of the committees drawing on a panel for relief staff? It could take a great deal of pressure off some facilities if those responsible knew that there was a panel of Garda-vetted and qualified staff. It might be looked at in future.