Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I wish the Minister well in her future, whatever that may be. I am sure it will be such that we will come across one another again.

Throughout this crisis many parents and families in Wexford have expressed to me just how they truly miss daily interactions with their childcare centres. They have expressed huge regard and respect for the profession, valuing these relationships as an integral part of their family. The failure of the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to provide a set of clear guidelines such that the childcare providers, be they public or private, can decide on reopening is somewhat deplorable. There is grave concern in the sector that it is being taken for granted by the Department, leaving it vulnerable by such lack of preparedness.

We are in the midst of phase 1 of the reopening and childcare providers are unable to reassure parents and families as to how they will deliver care for their children in the weeks ahead. They cannot inform their staff as to whether or not they are going to returning to work. They need a clear, coherent plan for the reopening of the childcare sector. Government needs to show a real sense of urgency as the provision of childcare is the backbone to many in the workforce being able to return to work. I am calling on the Minister to undertake in the next week to provide a clear protocol and set of guidelines to the childcare sector that guarantees a strategy for reopening and will ensure the health and safety of all involved.

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