Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank everybody who has contributed. I welcome that fact that the motion is not being opposed by the Government and I have no difficulty supporting the Labour Party amendment.

I was struck by the amount of unity in the House, on all sides, including the Government side and across the Opposition side. The same key issues keep coming up, which include the worry and concern that the small providers have, particularly those that are only running facilities under the early childhood care and education, ECCE, scheme. Wages are obviously a major issue, as are the fees involved. Those are the three main issues.

The issues are not only for small or rural services. All providers face issues relating to rising costs now and the various inspections required.

While there are many issues, the three distinct issues I have mentioned have always existed in the early years and childcare sector, and they still remain. It is good that we have had the opportunity to debate these issues and acknowledge them. The people in that sector will understand that they are being acknowledged and recognised and that these issues are being brought to the floor of the Dáil. We want fees to be decreased but we also want the issues of wages, core funding and the small providers to be addressed. Maybe the Department can look at them now that they have been raised by so many Deputies. Many people from all parties have said they have received emails and been lobbied about them. This could be an opportunity to get in contact with some of those providers to talk through the issues.

I welcome the fact that the JLC will report this week. I think 7 April is the date that has been given. I support the JLC process. I used to work for a union so I know that process. However, that is where my concern comes from because I know it can drag on and can often take up to 18 months. As others have asked, what will happen if agreement is not reached? Will there be an extension? What is the plan after that? Is it just a case of time being up in September or what is going to happen? That is where some of the issues and concerns come from. That sums up the issues. Sometimes the word "crisis" is overused, particularly in this Chamber, but it is a crisis for childcare services trying to find staff and for the staff trying to keep a roof over their own heads. That is especially true for those who have to sign on during the summer or who are working for the minimum wage, having studied hard in college. It is also true for parents trying to access childcare, trying to find a place and trying to afford it. All these things can potentially lead to a crisis situation and we have an opportunity to address those issues. I welcome that the motion is not being opposed.

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