Seanad debates

Wednesday, 29 May 2013

11:00 am

Photo of Caít KeaneCaít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes, that was the one in Malahide. The HSE was in there. I have a problem with sanctions. It has been found that the crèche was grant-aided after being found to be in breach of regulations. I support Senator Jillian van Turnhout. This is such an important issue. Our children are our most precious beings. Fully 80% of their intelligence is developed before they are three years of age. The period between nought and three years is the most important time in a child's life. We have to talk of society as well as an economy. I want the debate to turn to children, the family, society and how we treat the whole family.

Some person mentioned the formal and the informal setting and the lack of regulation. We must consider supporting the informal sector and those who wish to care for children in their own homes.

This is the first Government to set up a dedicated Department. As another Senator said, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Fitzgerald, is the first reforming Minister we have had that has brought together-----

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