Marc Ó Cathasaigh (Waterford, Green Party)
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I will ask a few questions of my own. The Aistear programme is excellent. I have not had sight of the reformulated version, but it has been transformative for early years education. However, we find ourselves in a peculiar situation whereby, through the ECCE programme, we are starting formal education through what is essentially a privatised setting. While it is funded by the State, much of the provision occurs in childcare settings. Many of these settings provide for younger children and provide after-school care. Is this an ideal situation? We are essentially providing State-led education. Notwithstanding what has been said about inspections and without intending to cast any aspersions on the quality of care we see in childcare settings, which is excellent, I wonder if we are confusing two things. I know excellent education work is done in childcare settings outside of the ECCE programme. However, are we in danger of falling between two stools? We have essentially extended State education into childcare. Even Mr. Tattan said that I should speak to his colleagues in the Department of children about this. Does the current model create confusion? Is this a destination or is it a point on the journey? If it is a point on the journey, where exactly do we want to get to?