Jennifer Murnane O'Connor (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is perfect, a Cheann Comhairle. I will perhaps get a written reply if that is okay. Early learning and childcare is important to children and families across the country and these services have done an incredible job throughout the pandemic. I wish to thank our front-line workers, without whose efforts these supports would not be available.

Childcare is something we should all care about. If we have appropriate childcare, society can function. Some 7,000 front-line workers needed childcare last month and their availability for work was impacted by the lack of options for childcare. It would be helpful even if restricted childcare services were open for vulnerable children and children of essential workers.

It is welcome that those who cannot attend work due to childminding responsibilities are able to claim their PUP. The funding to enable providers to reimburse parents who do not take up the service and help support them to retain staff and reopen as normal once restrictions are lifted is welcome. It does not solve our childcare issues, however. School is not childcare. It is, however, care for children who are not in the care of their parents or guardian. More options must be in place for those adults to return to work.

While we are beginning to stagger a return to education next month, we need to know if primary schools will be prioritised. Is the ECCE, scheme going to be back on stream? While financial support is welcome, it does not enrich a child or provide respite for exhausted and worn-out parents and caregivers. Our model of childcare provision needs serious reflection. We need to look at how provisions by our European neighbours have been made throughout this pandemic. Everyone wants to know when the full option of childcare is coming back including primary schools, crèches and ECCE schemes as well as youth programmes for teenagers.

While I welcome the reopening of special education and the ongoing work to achieve this, I was alarmed to read that in the few hours after the announcement, applications for the few additional educational needs, AEN, classes were oversubscribed by two to one. Most of these children are in mainstream schools because the facilities for them are just not there. I would like a written answer on this. What are we doing for these children?

It is most welcome that special needs assistants, SNAs, will now be prioritised for vaccines because they are returning to schools. Early years workers have been working in direct contact with children since January, without adequate personal protective equipment, PPE, and social distance supports because of the nature of the work. When will they be prioritised for their vaccination? I listened to the Minister a minute ago when he said he was working with the HSE. I welcome that; it is important.

Lastly, €10.41 for a childcare worker is not enough. It is seriously not enough. I bet the Minister that every parent who is at home and homeschooling at the moment will agree with me. I ask the Minister to look at it because this needs to be addressed urgently.

It is unacceptable for a childcare worker to only receive €10.41 per hour.

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