Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

In relation to the childcare committee, it has been doing all that it can. To some extent we need to look at powers and the structure of these committees because there are limits to what they can do. Very often it is just providing a list, particularly where there is not a long vacancy.

In relation to one of the providers in one of the southern suburbs of the city, discussions are still going on and I would like some reassurance or commitment from the Minister that if an agreement is reached with a new potential provider that Tusla will ensure that everything is expedited to the greatest extent possible to ensure continuity. I ask for an assurance that we do not see a closure of the service and that a new owner can keep it open after taking over.

In addition, the State has to be open to the direct provision of childcare. We believe, and I think it is the Minister's philosophy as well, that childcare is a public good so the State has to be willing to open places itself. That is the road we need to go down. That has to be part of the mix here.

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