Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sharing time with Deputy Mattie McGrath.

I thank Sinn Féin for bringing forward this Private Members' motion on the important issue of child care provision and costs. As rightly highlighted, issues such as pay, public and private service provision and the cost of child care have up until now been brushed under the table, particularly by the previous Government. The people who provide private and public child care services are dedicated to the job. They would not do it if they did not enjoy caring for young children. From my point of view, the biggest problem facing us in this area is that of striking a balance between providing child care and providing the service an affordable cost. Young couples are struggling with child care costs which are akin to having a second mortgage. There are many young people in this and other cities who are struggling to meet mortgage repayments and child care costs. It is impossible. Sinn Féin is correct to use its Private Members' time to have a debate on the subject.

I listened in my office to the Minister's contribution. I agree with other Members that her heart is in the right place and that she is coming to this issue a little late in that there has been a lot of neglect in this area up until now, but I appreciate her strong interest in the matter. I hope that in having this debate we will arrive at a solution. We do not want those involved in the sector to be underpaid. We do not want those providing child care to be second-class citizens. We want their work and effort to be as valued as the work and effort of others in other sections of society.

While I do not wish to single out anybody, I compliment one particular group in this area, namely, those who have set up creches or child care facilities and are struggling to pay rates and public liability insurance. They face the same challenges as any small business, while at the same time providing safe and secure care for the young children in their charge. All parents know that one of the biggest responsibilities of a parent is caring for and minding a child. Caring for the children of others is a serious operation.

It is important to highlight the problems in the sector. Many Deputies have made very valuable contributions. It is welcome that Sinn Féin has the support of Fianna Fáil, the Labour Party and others, including the Minister, on this issue. It is important that we address the problems in this area and that we ensure private and public service providers are properly paid and that child care is affordable for the struggling young families who are strapped financially.

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