Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for that positive response. It is good to know that returners are firmly on the agenda. It is very difficult when people are facing going back to work, and if the odds are stacked against them or if there are unnecessary barriers it just makes it harder. We are definitely moving in the right direction. As part of this, we have to ensure that the Pathways to Work strategy covers the spectrum of situations and scenarios, as well as the skills and experience people want. What appeals at the moment about access to community schemes is that they are in people's communities. People could work in the community centre where the crèche is, for example, which would feel familiar to them. We have to put ourselves in those people's shoes and think about what it is like to return to work. We must deliver opportunities for everyone.