Marie Sherlock (Dublin Central, Labour)

There is a serious credibility issue here. We see it with regard to the underdelivery of the social housing targets and, indeed, what we are seeing now with regard to childcare places. This is an issue that was raised with the Department during the summer. I raised it last week, and we have seen no response, frankly, from the Department on these issues.

It is deadly serious for parents. Mothers are unable to return to work because of the lack of childcare availability. Parents are having to reduce hours and, of course, there are thousands out there who want to rejoin the labour force after many years and they simply cannot all because of the shortage of childcare places. Frankly, there is a lack of urgency on the part of the Government. Last year, people heard that urgency pre-election. We are not seeing that urgency now, and that needs to change.

The other critical part of this relates to childcare workers. In January, we are going to see a 75 cent difference between what an early years educator earns and the national minimum wage in this country. The reality is that there is a massive retention issue within the early years sector. We have to ensure that those wages dramatically improve to ensure there are enough places out there for parents and families and a proper working life for those in the sector.

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