Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is important that these issues are raised. They are the basis of my motivation to continue to seek increases in the development of the infrastructure, particularly as regards the professionals who work in the sector. I have outlined in response to this and other questions that in the context of the operative funding model we only have a certain amount of power or potential to make those changes. My main suggestions towards achieving a quantum leap are the implementation of a sectoral employment order and the development of a new public funding model.

My Department has had several discussions with trade union representatives. We understand that the "Big Start" campaign has increased SIPTU membership but it remains significantly less than is required for it to be accepted as an organisation representative of employees. There has been much discussion on an employers' representative group but nothing has been agreed. This needs to happen. It would be helpful. Such collective representation is why other professions are able to improve their pay and working conditions.

A subgroup of the early years forum addresses the issue of professionalisation. The members of the forum will continue to participate in work on the new vision for a public funding model laid out in First 5.

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