Dan Neville (Limerick, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for the opportunity to contribute to this debate on child care. Participation in high-quality childhood care and education results in better outcomes for children. Access to affordable high-quality care for younger and school-going children is essential for development and future opportunities in education and training and, afterwards, in occupations. Research in 2013 indicated that 77% of preschool children are cared for by parents or relatives and 12% by childminders, with 19% cared for in crèches, Montessori schools etc. Society has changed dramatically in recent decades, and most young parents do not have the choice of staying in the home to rear their families, as financial demands cannot be met unless both parents are working. There is no choice in these cases.

There is €175 million in funding for the ECCE scheme, which benefits 68,000 children each year. This provides a free year of early childhood care and education for children of preschool age. In general, children are eligible for the scheme if they are between three years and two months and fours years and seven months on 1 September for each year that they start. The State pays a capitation fee to participating playschools and day-care services. In return, they provide a preschool service free of charge to all children within the qualifying age range for a set number of hours over a set period. In general, children only qualify for ECCE for one school year, but a child assessed as having a disability may be able to spread the free preschool time over two years. The intention behind ECCE is to intervene before primary school in order to develop a child's education, self-esteem and communication skills. The introduction of a second preschool year would be of benefit and, as others have stated, the Minister should consider its introduction.

It is clear that accessibility to affordable and high-quality child care can play a critical role in achieving a number of the Government's priorities, including the improvement of educational outcomes for children, reducing poverty and increasing parents' participation in the labour market.

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