Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)

In our own proposal on the €200 per month, we looked at using the national childcare scheme and expanding it to childminders. That would really assist in building capacity in the sector because for many parents, the choice is no longer there. If they want to get the subsidy and need help in affording childcare, they have to look to the formal setting whereas in rural areas in particular, a local childminder might actually suit people, especially those doing shift work. We should look to expand the NCS to childminders. It would give greater choice to parents and would improve and build capacity, which is really badly needed.

I asked the Minister's predecessor about some really good ideas Social Enterprise Republic of Ireland had about using existing buildings as community hubs, which would include a childcare element. There are some really good examples. There is one in Donegal. There are after-school activities, a crèche, music and sports all under one roof. Things like that should be looked at.

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