Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is good to be back. I hope everyone had a restful and restorative recess. I also wish the superintendent, Barry Ryan, good luck on behalf of the Civil Engagement Group. I wish him well in the new role. He did a great job last Wednesday, by the way. I had to say that.

I offer my deepest condolences to all the Fianna Fáil group on the passing of Councillor Damien O'Reilly, as well as to his colleagues and family. I cannot imagine the grief involved. He was far too young. I also offer condolences to the family of Flor O'Mahony on behalf of the Civil Engagement Group.

This week, parents all over Ireland, like the Leader, are scrambling to make alternative arrangements because their childcare providers are striking to protest what they say is inadequate Government funding. The Federation of Early Childhood Providers organised the action outside Leinster House today. I am aware a recent SIPTU report found some larger childcare providers are making bumper profits and have been paying out dividends that have been fuelled by Government wage subsidies. That must be said. Despite the increases in Government funding in recent years, childcare workers are chronically underpaid and many are leaving the profession they love because it is not financially viable for them to stay. This has led to staffing shortages across the sector, which makes finding childcare such a struggle for parents. If they can find a place for their children, parents still struggle with the costs, despite the Government's efforts to reduce them.

Subsidising private operators is extremely expensive, inefficient and is failing childcare workers, parents and their children. This is why I am glad to support the calls from the National Women's Council and Early Childhood Ireland for a public childcare system. A public system would put all parents and children on an equal footing and could provide staff with better pay and working conditions. There is no logical reason for treating the provision of early years education and care differently from the education and care of school-aged children. A public childcare system would also support women's economic, social and political participation.

I commend the childcare workers' trade union SIPTU's Big Start group for voting against the most recent pay agreement. A wage of €13.65 is not adequate for the skilled and dedicated workers who care for children. I request that we bring in the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for a debate on the future of childcare provision.