Cathal Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for coming to the Chamber and acknowledge the presence of Councillor Paddy Meade from Meath, who has joined us.

I begin by highlighting the need for greater State involvement in the childcare sector. As somebody from Wexford, I am contacted every week by parents who highlight to me the fact that in many areas of Wexford, be it urban areas like Wexford town, Enniscorthy and New Ross or rural villages, they simply cannot access childcare.

We have to accept that the private model we have is not working, for reasons such as pay and conditions, waiting lists and the fact that the model is not even. There is simply no access to childcare in many villages, beyond local childminders. We have to move towards greater State involvement in the sector. I very much welcome the Minister's statement that she holds similar views and there will be greater State involvement over the term of the Government.

As the Minister, who is a former Minister for Education, knows, we are not getting the most out of our school facilities in terms of being available for pre- and after-school care, in particular in rural villages. As we develop new schools, we should co-locate childcare facilities.

Many colleagues have highlighted access to childcare for children under the age of one. Many parents have told me that they will be able to get a space, but unfortunately it will not be available until a child has turned one. There is a gap period between when paid maternity leave ends and access to childcare becomes available. We need to seriously examine that and try to address it.

I want to highlight the important role played by childminders. Many childminders have told me they are nervous about greater regulation and Tusla overseeing what they do. They are concerned that their homes, where children are minded, will require many more features, facilities and safety mechanisms. They are concerned that over the course of the Government, they will, in effect, be reduced to being red taped out of existence. It is important that we protect the traditional method of minding children in people's homes, in particular in rural areas where it is common. That needs to be supported and encouraged.