Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I will communicate the Deputy's insights to the Minister, Deputy James Reilly. Many of the points he raised are valid. It is not a question of the Government waking up to the importance of child care. We are very conscious of the importance of proper systems of child care and investing in the sector. Like every other sector, its ability to expand was arrested by the fact that resources were greatly limited owing to the economic situation. The country is now in a much better place and it is possible to look to the future with more confidence, particularly in the child care sector. It is extremely important for families, but it is also an economic imperative that we support it. As the Deputy noted, the nature of work and working patterns have changed. In fairness to the child care system, it has reflected this. The Government has undertaken or supported a number of initiatives in this regard, including child care employment and training supports, the community child care subvention programme, community employment child care programme and the after school child care scheme. Numerous schemes and programmes are in place, but we want to see further investment in the sector. The Minister will study the report of the group. Representatives of various Departments, all of the agencies involved, the trade unions and interested parties can contribute to the group's work and the Minister will then be in a position to make proposals for developing the sector further. This is critical for individuals and families, as well as the economy.

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