Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Tá mé fíor-bhuíoch den Teachta Kathleen Funchion as ucht an rún seo a chur os comhair na Dála anocht. Níl dabht ar bith gur cheist fíor-thábhachtach é do leanaí agus do dhaoine óga, ach go háirithe dóibh siúd atá ag obair san earnáil seo. Ba mhaith liom an deis a ghlacadh le moladh a thabhairt do mo chomhghleacaí, Teachta Funchion, as ucht an obair thábhachtach atá déanta aici ar an gceist seo. Tá a fhios agam go bhfuil sí ag dul timpeall an Stáit ag plé le daoine atá ag obair san earnáil agus í ag cur tuairisc le chéile.

Despite years of inaction, not just by this Government but successive Governments, it comes as no surprise to this House that the early years education sector is in somewhat of a crisis. Those working in the sector are and have for years been subject to poor pay and inadequate working conditions. This is despite the fact they undertake what is arguably one of the most important functions in our society, being charged with caring for the well-being of children.

As I stated, I had the pleasure of working with Deputy Funchion in meeting a number of child care workers and representatives from across my county of Donegal. It was a very worthwhile and engaging experience. I could not but be impressed by their professionalism, skill and dedication to the work but I was dismayed and saddened to hear of the challenges they face while doing their job, which they love and about which they are passionate. That was very clear as we sat in the room and heard woman after woman - most of them were women, although there were some males - explaining their daily experiences and challenges. There was a lack of recognition of the role they play in society as the carers of children at a very young and vulnerable age.

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The absence of agreed pay scales and adequate funding provisions means that the sector is plagued by a high staff turnover, a skills shortage and varying standards across the industry. The motion seeks to change all of that by seeking to recognise the vital work done to ensure the sector is one which meets the highest standards in the quality of care provided. Above all else, it seeks to treat the 22,000 child care professionals working in the sector with the respect and fairness they so thoroughly deserve in educating and caring for our youngest citizens. Molaim an rún seo chuig an Teach. Gabhaim buíochas leis an Teachta Funchion arís as ucht é a chur os comhair an Tí anocht.

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