Tom Fleming (Kerry South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister's statement on the working group. It is imperative that the report be fast forwarded because we need to put in place a strategy for the next three to five years. I, therefore, ask that the matter be expedited and treated with urgency. In the past 30 years Ireland changed from a society in which mothers, by and large, stayed at home to one in which there is greater diversity and engagement in work because of the need to expand the workforce. Facilities have been put in place, but we have fallen down in providing adequate resources and funding to ensure the provision of high quality services in this sector. The societal changes that have taken place should be recognised by the Government, even at this late stage, and reflected in its policies and budgets. I, therefore, ask that the matter be addressed in the next budget. The State should also fund administration costs which are outside the area of direct contact with children. Assessments and meetings are necessary, but there is no funding for that additional work. I urge the Government to increase the level of early childhood capitation funding and link it with the nationally agreed pay scales, introduce mechanisms to ensure children with additional needs will be supported in engaging as equals in their early childhood education setting and include free hours to engage in continuing professional development as part of all Government funded schemes to enable those working in the sector to fully implement the national curriculum and quality frameworks.

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