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

This is not a matter of a political football but one of accountability, good governance and setting the minds of parents at ease. Rather than listening to the same old story, parents must hear a genuine and urgent commitment to ensure quality of care for children.

My question on JobBridge was not framed in the past tense. I am asking the Tánaiste about positions that are being advertised on the JobBridge website today. As I stated, these positions pay €50 per week and are for people who do not have qualifications. Why are these posts being advertised on the JobBridge website? How on earth could it be appropriate to do so? It was never appropriate and it is even less appropriate given the outrage and shock the Tánaiste's expressed in response to the "Prime Time" programme.

Sinn Féin welcomed the decision to appoint a Minister for Children and Youth Affairs. However, the Minister has been in place for two and a half years, which is a long time in the lifespan of a child. How many children have completed preschool care in crèches in that period?

While I have no doubt the Tánaiste was horrified by Tuesday night's television programme, there is no point expressing horror about breaches of regulations or giving such a clear commitment to proper standards and the safety and protection of children in child care when JobBridge, a Government website, is advertising yellow pack posts which pay €50 per week for child care workers. Our children are worth and deserve more than that and their parents expect better than that.

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