Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

I want to repeat my question. Why is it that our system, which we accept, involves a patchwork of providers at this level of care and education? We should not accept a patchwork of providers, some public and some private - and without proper regulation - and a system whereby prices can be increased and workers can be paid and treated so badly in many cases. I accept they are not treated badly in all cases. There is a great benefit to a publicly funded and run system. The international evidence is jumping out at the Minister, as he will see if he cares to read any of the studies. I am sure he has. The evidence suggests there is a massive social benefit to having a properly funded, publicly run, regularised and controlled service at early childhood level. The patchwork nature of childcare provision is not acceptable or good enough.

In areas such as Clancy Quay and elsewhere in Dublin 8, parents are genuinely struggling to work and to have their children minded in a professional manner. The cost of childcare is becoming much greater than what it is possible to pay. People often compare the cost of childcare to the cost of a mortgage. It is true, particularly if there are a few children who need minding. We have to end this and reach OECD levels of care for children and a level of provision that is secure, dependable and does the best for the children and their parents.

See this speech in context