Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Colm Burke referred to the Committee on the Future of Healthcare. The Minister could not allow Senators to be members of that committee because of opposition in that regard from the other House, which was disappointing. The committee's report, which we all await with bated breath, will, hopefully, contain key recommendations around the development of infrastructure in our hospitals. In previous remarks Senator Burke spoke about the lack of new hospitals in our country, which is an issue that also needs to be addressed as a matter of priority.

Senator Gavan raised the issue of early years provision. I was unable to attend the meeting in the AV room last week but I am happy to inform the Senator that I facilitated a meeting with the Minister, Deputy Zappone, and early community child care providers in Cork South Central. As a former Chairman of the then Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, I am very committed to working with all providers of child care on issues such investment in early years education. The Minister, Deputy Zappone, who bears responsibility for this area is committed to improving the quality and staffing, including and pay conditions, of early child care services. The Senator's remark was a little unfair when some of us are very committed to this area and have a long history of involvement in it.