Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The answer to the Deputy's second question is that these funding arrangements are separate to the public procurement process that applies to commercial services provided on a for profit basis. Regarding the range of training that will be offered, it is important to note that we are starting from a very low base in terms of financial support to the sector in respect of training. There is a significant amount of training required for staff and providers. As I have often said, we focused a little too much in the past on bricks and mortar and not enough on quality training. I have been allocated these additional moneys, for which Deputy Troy and others have been calling, to provide subsidised training for a sector whose members are generally low paid.

During 2014 and 2015, I will be implementing a new national training programme for the existing child care workforce for which I have secured an additional €3 million. This programme will offer training opportunities for child care staff to upskill. I will consider a range of options in terms of the types of training offered. Qualifications at FETAC levels 5 and 6 are a priority at this time because I am bringing legislation through the House to ensure workers reach that standard. I certainly do not accept the Deputy's claim that we are not responding to the need that is there. We are clearly responding to the need to upgrade staff to levels 5 and 6, which, as I said, will be the obligatory standard. Staff in the child care sector have shown great enthusiasm for participating in the training. It is expected next year and in 2015 that training will be delivered by a range of accredited training providers. I will be putting arrangements in place in the coming months to develop the programme. I do, however, take the Deputy's point that managerial training is also required.

Another important element of the preschool quality agenda that I am pursuing is the publication of the online Health Service Executive reports, which is strengthening the national inspection system. We now have more than 1,600 inspection reports online which allow parents to examine the quality of the services to which they are entrusting their children. That is an important part of improving standards, quality and training.

See this speech in context