Donna McGettigan (Clare, Sinn Fein)

In my county of Clare there is a high demand for early care and education places. Parents have to put their children on multiple waiting lists and there still may not be a place for them in the end. I know of a couple who have two young children and the best option for them is to have one child in a service in Sixmilebridge, which is approximately 9 km from where they live, the second child attend a service in Caherdavin, which is a further 13.9 km away, and then drive back to work, which is approximately 48.9 km. This must be done twice per day. This not only adds an extra expense onto this family but is also means they spend a lot of time on the road. Adding the expense of fuel to the high cost of childcare exacerbates the issues the family is having.

A second couple were told there would a two year waiting list, if they are lucky. They tried in numerous areas but in the end the mother had to give up her full-time job and take on a part-time evening job, leaving their household financially vulnerable. The early years education sector is predominantly staffed by women, who, because of failings in the current system, are working in conditions where they are overworked, underpaid and burnt out. Rural and disadvantaged urban areas, where there are even fewer incentives to operate, are also underserved by private providers, meaning women from these communities are more likely to be faced with no other option than to stay at home.

This issue was a key priority during the election. Promises were made. Families need us to step up for them and provide what was promised. Can we see engagement with the Together for Public alliance on the terms of reference for the consultation before it commences? Can we have a timeframe for that in order that families can have hope? Finally, I commend Deputy Claire Kerrane for tabling this motion.

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