Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

We would need to have a much broader outlook than that. We cannot make decisions on this on the hoof. I understand where the Deputy is coming from but, on the other hand, we have developed a model of childcare over two decades which involves either community provision, private sector provision, or some State provision. The State has tended to support access through grants and the development of the curriculum, as well as access to early education for children with special and additional needs. We had a price freeze in recent years through significant allocations to the existing providers. A State- or community-based provision may not be permanently based. There are three areas: price, in other words, affordability; the volume of places; and career pathways for those working in childcare.

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