Frank Feighan (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I begin by thanking the Minister, as a former Senator and Deputy, for her vocation and her political and social leadership. She has been a vision for equality and social change and has fought hard to reduce poverty. It has been very difficult for Ministers who lost their seats to carry on so I thank her very much.

I agree with other Deputies who spoke about mental health and young people. It is a deeply concerning area, and while I acknowledge that the Minister has addressed it, I want to share in the thoughts of many of my colleagues in the House.

Many of my constituents have talked about the SIPTU childcare model. It is a big start to be introduced by the next Government. I refer to a public model for childcare and high quality, affordable early years and school-age services. Will the Minister share her thoughts on the proposal?

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