Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Unlike many Deputies, I have not had the privilege to work with the Minister in this House but I have from a distance observed her progressive work and that of her officials in the area of childcare. I wish her well in the next phase.

I have three brief questions. Covid-19 has upturned everything. From my conversations with providers and workers in the sector, I realise that many of them feel right now that they are in a kind of limbo. Let me explain. I refer to the email that arrived on Monday asking staff to volunteer to work in the homes of people who need childcare. Issues arise regarding the provision of a proper service, personal protective equipment and guidelines on how specifically staff should operate. We have heard about the low wages. Are staff expected to travel to the houses? Who will bear the cost? There are many issues. I am aware the Minister is trying to find a solution at a difficult time but the providers have to deal with the matter on a day-to-day basis.

On the reopening of the sector, there are many issues. The sanitisation of the centres comprises an extra cost. Are there proposals to help the sector in this area?

On the model of childcare, the Minister has given her view. She spoke about her support for a fully funded childcare sector. The Big Start campaign, supported by Siptu, is a measure we can consider. Many of the community childcare providers are run by volunteers. They survive only because of voluntary effort and the effort of other community groups. Given where we are now, many of them may be unsustainable in the future. I would like the Minister's views on that sector in particular.

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