Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for taking questions. It would have been very easy for her to walk away.

On maternity leave, does the Minister support the extension of maternity leave? That proposal has been raised with me and almost 20,000 people have signed a petition in support of it.

There is very little information or guidance on how crèches and childcare facilities are to reopen. Will numbers be reduced? Is social distancing being suggested for children under five years of age? If centres open with reduced capacity, will they get increased funding such that they can remain open? These businesses understand that they will have to make changes, but they have not been given clear and proper guidance in order that they can prepare.

The lack of childcare for front-line staff has been raised repeatedly. It is simply not good enough and must not continue. Many of the problems arise from the lack of consultation with childcare facilities. I thank the Minister and hope she will be able to provide comprehensive answers to my questions.

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