Tom Neville (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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I apologise for being late. I watched the presentation on the television monitor in my office.

I wish to declare my interests. I am a non-executive director of a small not-for-profit child care facility in County Limerick. My questions follow on from what Deputy Rabbitte has said. Does the Department take on board suggestions made by the child care committees? I have consistently raised the issue of how owner-operated rural child care facilities are affected by the changes in training regulation. Such people must now return to education and undertake training courses even though they have a medical background, strong qualifications and a great amount of experience. Taking time out to study or retrain and employ more people puts a huge pressure on an owner-operated businesses. I want people to employ people but often the option is unsustainable in small rural areas. I would like to hear the thoughts of the delegation on the matter.