Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

We all agree this is a well qualified workforce with a minimum qualification of a Level 5 Quality and Qualifications Ireland, QQI, award. We also accept ongoing education and training is vital, especially in the area of child protection. There are difficulties in retaining staff within the sector. Many providers have spoken about this. Early Childhood Ireland, ECI, showed 86% of its respondents were concerned that difficulties recruiting and retaining staff would impact on the viability of their service.

There are two specific requests. I asked the Minister about the financial support that will be provided for in-service training. Will the Minister give approval for ECI services to close for the purposes of developing their child safeguarding strategy while retaining their funding so that they will not be penalised for closing? Will the Minister also provide additional funding to facilitate full day care services to develop their child safeguarding strategy and provide child protection training for staff, as happens currently in respect of both our primary and secondary schools?

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