Ivana Bacik (Independent)

The Minister has given a commitment to progressively reform the system to ensure better outcomes for lone parents and their families and that she will not bring forward the key reform in respect of the reduction in the age limit, unless the necessary supports are provided.

We would all say access to safe, affordable and accessible child care is critical. The Irish model of child care has been traditionally based on a private, for-profit industry model, but we can change this and there is a commitment at Government level, not just from the Minister for Social Protection but also the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, to make that change.

The Minister has outlined the significant changes made at second and third levels in the past. To be fair, the early childhood care and education scheme marks an important change.