Results 2,581-2,600 of 5,087 for speaker:Kathleen Funchion

Childcare Services: Motion [Private Members] (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: I thank everybody for their contributions, including the Minister and Minister of State. They will be aware it is an issue I have been talking about for a long time. I welcome some aspects because we seem to be largely in agreement but it would not be the first time we have been in a debate where people are saying they are in agreement, yet their actions perhaps do not always match that. I...

Childcare Services: Motion [Private Members] (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: I move: "That Dáil Éireann: notes that: - childcare fees for parents in this State remain amongst the highest in the world; - one of the largest financial expenses for parents is childcare fees, forcing many families into debt and financial crisis or out of their current employment; 1699 - a recent United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund survey found...

Childcare Services: Motion [Private Members] (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: Thank you, a Cheann Comhairle. I have spoken many times about those working in the sector and I acknowledge that again this evening. It is such a difficult job and I genuinely do not know how people who work in the early years sector do it. The commitment and dedication they show are incredible. For the most part, it is degree led at this stage. People spend years in college studying and...

Written Answers — Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth: Youth Work Supports (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: 495. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department will take on board the recommendation in the review by an organisation (details supplied) of the youth work sector response to the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48288/21]

Written Answers — Department of Health: Dental Services (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: 630. To ask the Minister for Health when he expects the proposed review of the dental treatment services scheme contract will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47795/21]

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: Business of Joint Committee (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: Apologies have been received from Senator Sharon Keogan. I will go through a few housekeeping matters. If any members or witnesses participating experience any sound or technical issues, they should let the committee know through the chat function. Otherwise, we will proceed. I advise everyone that as this is a public meeting, the chat function on MS Teams should only be used to advise...

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: Regulation and Funding Issues Facing Workers in the Early Years Sector: Discussion (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: We will move straight to session one, which is engagement with SIPTU representatives. I welcome Mr. Darragh O'Connor, head of strategic organising and campaigns, and Ms Deborah Reynolds, an early years professional and SIPTU activist. The purpose of our meeting is to discuss regulation and funding issues facing workers in the early years sector. I will advise our witnesses of the...

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: Regulation and Funding Issues Facing Workers in the Early Years Sector: Discussion (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: I have to stop Mr. O'Connor there because we are over time for his opening address. We have the rest of it as read. He will get to touch on some more issues as questions come in.

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: Regulation and Funding Issues Facing Workers in the Early Years Sector: Discussion (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: I thank Mr. O'Connor. I call Deputy Murnane O'Connor.

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: Regulation and Funding Issues Facing Workers in the Early Years Sector: Discussion (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: I am sorry; we are out of time.

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: Regulation and Funding Issues Facing Workers in the Early Years Sector: Discussion (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: I have to keep everyone to three minutes.

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: Regulation and Funding Issues Facing Workers in the Early Years Sector: Discussion (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: I know there are questions for both Ms Reynolds and Mr. O'Connor. I am conscious that Ms Reynolds has not spoken yet. There will be a few more questions first. I know they are important points so I will bring the Deputy back in again at the end. I call Deputy Costello.

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: Regulation and Funding Issues Facing Workers in the Early Years Sector: Discussion (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: I thank Deputy Costello. I am conscious that I have been cutting Mr. O'Connor off and that Ms Reynolds has not spoken yet. Do they wish to come in on any of those points?

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: Regulation and Funding Issues Facing Workers in the Early Years Sector: Discussion (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: Does Ms Reynolds wish to come in?

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: Regulation and Funding Issues Facing Workers in the Early Years Sector: Discussion (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: Thank you. Senator McGreehan has managed to join us. Does she wish to add anything briefly?

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: Regulation and Funding Issues Facing Workers in the Early Years Sector: Discussion (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: Would either Mr. O'Connor or Ms Reynolds like to briefly make any final points before we wrap up this session of the meeting?

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: Regulation and Funding Issues Facing Workers in the Early Years Sector: Discussion (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: Does Ms Reynolds want to make a point?

Joint Committee On Children, Equality, Disability, Integration And Youth: Regulation and Funding Issues Facing Workers in the Early Years Sector: Discussion (5 Oct 2021)

Kathleen Funchion: I thank Mr. O'Connor, Ms Reynolds and members for their contributions. I welcome Mr. Michael Kenny of Urlingford community childcare who is accompanied by Ms Marian Quinn, who is the chairperson of the Association of Childhood Professionals. I also welcome Ms Gillian O'Connor of Dolphin House Homework Club and Ms Amy Carey, who is the CEO of the Solas Project. They are here to represent...