Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate the Minister of State for arguing for the increased budget for the Data Protection Commission. The increased provisions are very good. We are the supervisory authority for many multinational companies and it is very important that we are on our game in the Data Protection Commission.

I love this budget because those with babies in arms have provision for childcare and childcare access. We are promoting equality for children in their development through opportunities in a childcare setting and through primary schoolbooks. I want to give a nod to our colleague Deputy McHugh who started the pilot on schoolbooks. He launched it. I thank him and remember him today because it is very important. For those in school who need an SNA, we already had record levels of SNAs. There will now be an additional 1,190 SNAs, plus an extra 680 special education teachers. This is an excellent development. I congratulate the Minister of State, Deputy Madigan. She has taken on the need for additional and supported education for all children. Having it as close to home as possible is very important.

Today it was announced, and I have not heard many people refer to it, that we have 4,800 craft apprenticeship places. This is very important. We have focused on what is happening in third level, which is fantastic and there are great supports. I have received many texts supporting it from people who are delighted. The number of apprenticeships is very important for our housing sector. I would love to see apprenticeships extended into childcare. I have been having a conversation with the Minister, Deputy Harris, about how it would be possible. It would certainly assist childcare professionals to grow in what is now a good career. How will the 4,800 places be broken down? It is important that we look at these and value them. They start people at all levels. They are very precious. We desperately need craft apprenticeships. They are crucial for our housing sector, our development sector, our infrastructure and our green economy. There are probably apprenticeships we have not even defined yet that will be in our future. This has been a super budget for the very young through to training and self-sufficiency in employment. We have supports throughout.