Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to hear the Taoiseach state this is a priority, but I hope it will be turned into real action and funding for the sector when we hear the details of the budget announced. It is about quality and affordability. We all know that what is put into early years education results in a huge comeback and improves the life chances of children in a variety of ways. While the leader of Fianna Fáil spoke about third level education, in having an opportunity to pass through the education system access to high quality and affordable child care in the early years is absolutely crucial.

Another issue is that the pay of people working in the sector is abysmally low. We need to see to it that people who are extremely dedicated and who would not put up with low pay only for their dedication will see an improvement in their situation. For parents, this is a crucial issue. Many must make a decision on whether they can afford child care to go out to work, about the importance of which the Taoiseach spoke. We need to ensure, for the sake of parents and the life chances of children, that we will step up to the mark. I urge the Taoiseach to devise a long-term plan for the sector.

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