Victor Boyhan (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I warmly welcome the Minister to the House and congratulate her on her achievements. Senator Ó Ríordáin put very succinctly a statement I had intended to make. We all see her achievements and objectives peppered through her Ministry. It is important that we acknowledge this. The Minister has a clear understanding of child care and I congratulate her on championing the issue. It is always difficult to secure funding at the Cabinet table and I accept that progress is being made incrementally. It is clear she has pushed this issue. I thank her for providing an update on child care and demonstrating where additional funding will be provided for early years care and education.

The previous speaker noted the importance of learned responses and experiences in childhood. In addition to providing services, we must also address what occurs in child care services and children's experience of these services. Adults and carers can learn from the way in which children play and interact with each other. One can pick up signs from such observation, including weaknesses and vulnerabilities in children. It is one thing to have children in child care but it is important to use the opportunity to learn and gain experiences about children.

This brings me to the issue of additional services, particularly in areas of disadvantage. As Senators are aware, each of the 31 local authorities has a child care committee, all of which face demands for support services.There are more problems for children in disadvantaged areas, where, from the moment they enter primary school, teachers observe behavioural problems. I spoke to a principal yesterday who told me she can predict the course of action for the children coming in.

I acknowledge the enormous work the Minister has done. There is an opportunity for early intervention with children involving the trained staff working with them. I acknowledge the work of SIPTU, which is clearly championing the issue. My office has received numerous communications from the union. It is interesting how the trade union movement is ever-evolving and is so active on social issues. It was where the trade union movement started and it is now coming back very strongly to that base of support for communities, workers and families.

I again thank the Minister. I hope we can get even more money. I acknowledge her vision and values in respect of child and youth policy for which I thank her.