Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The childcare barometer of public attitudes to early years care and education published in 2018 indicates that 75% of respondents agreed that those working in the early childcare profession are as important as educators of children aged over five. Some 56% of respondents thought them professionals. However, staff feel undervalued and they do not perceive that working in the sector is a good job.

I refer to the particular difficulties experienced by childcare services in north inner city Dublin in respect of the feuds, drug dealing and intimidation in the area. Some young children experience such issues every day, some within their families and others in their community.

The Minister previously stated that an independent review of the cost of delivering childcare was being carried out. When will it be available?

See this speech in context