Eamonn Maloney (Dublin South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This debate is long overdue, as we are coming from behind in this area, with our neighbours and those further afield having child care systems that exceed ours. For a variety of reasons, we are playing catch-up. A report entitled Childcare: Business or Profession? was introduced by the Minister at the end of last year. The research was done by an umbrella group called Start Strong, which is a very good name in the context of a debate on early education and care for children. The report argues that if we focus on the elements of early education and care, with children at the centre, we can make some progress. That is why the debate is very important. The report refers to the models we use and argues that the only expertise we have comes from the example of other jurisdictions with care facilities for children which are of a good standard. It is the model that we should aspire to, and there is nothing wrong with that goal.

It is important that we acknowledge the great commitment of child care workers. They work hard for very poor wages.

That is part of the problem. It is not just an issue of regulation and qualifications. There is also the question of how these very committed people are paid. Those are issues I hope the Government can advance.

Finally, the people who wish to advance child care in this country put forward many reasons as to how A, B, C and so forth can be done, but we should be very careful. Other Deputies have mentioned tax relief for parents in this situation. In fairness to the Minister, he ruled it out last night, and I agree with him. It is only those with the greatest financial resources who will benefit from that. Working class people will not.

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