Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, the Taoiseach said that the brand image of child care was of the highest standard. I am not sure what he meant by "brand image" but he is part of the same Government that is advertising on its JobBridge website positions for child care workers in organisations, including an advertisement from Giraffe child care, one of the brands associated with this scandal, seeking interns with no experience to work with children for €50 per week. What is that about and how does the Tánaiste square it with his proclaimed commitment to quality and safety for children? State funding should not go to any facility that does not conform to the highest standards of inspection, regulation, qualification and quality care.

I note that he is being very careful on this issue. He stated that funding can and should be stopped. We need to hear that funding will be stopped. If he is not prepared to say that clearly, he has no prospect of restoring parents' confidence or protecting the good reputation of the many quality child care providers which operate across the country.

I ask him to square the circle for me. How is it that €50 per week for an untrained and unqualified person is appropriate? Why are these jobs advertised on JobBridge and why is he so coy on current and future funding? I ask him to state clearly that funding will be stopped where regulations are breached.

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