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

We have begun to bring the local child care committees together and they have formed an umbrella group called Child Care Committees Ireland. This is a very positive development, and I thank the representative body for its work in this regard. It has made an input into the development of the new national quality support service. I will be holding a round-table meeting in the next two weeks which will be attended by Child Care Committees Ireland and national child care organisations to consult on plans for this service and to examine the overarching national architecture required to improve quality in early years and child care services. I agree with the Deputy that the input of the child care committees, because of their local presence, will continue to be important. They will play a vital role in the years ahead.

I look forward to ongoing discussion with them about their key role at a national level. I will take on board their suggestions about the new learner service and the mentoring service. I welcome their work within the umbrella group and their work with the other national organisations such as Early Childhood Ireland. Such collaboration will provide the best information and strategic advice about the future of the sector.

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