Garret Ahearn (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his response. The response from the Department and the Minister is essentially what I have been asking for. With regard to that draft legislation, if proposals are put forward by the groups representing childminders, I hope the Minister will agree to them. There is no doubt about the Minister's commitment to supporting childcare. It is about the changes being appropriate to the home and family setting and making sure that is recognised in the proposals. I look forward to seeing the final legislation. I acknowledge the Minister's good work on it. We are at a point with the legislation where there is a fear within the childminding sector of what the outcome might be and a fear for the service they provide. These people love the kids they care for, look after and educate and all they want to do is to be able to provide the best care they can for those kids, on behalf of the parents, and be in the best position possible and with the best support from the Government. All I ask is that we, and I know the Minister will, listen to the childminders about the requests they make for the supports they need to be able to provide that critical service.