Joint Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration & Youth meets for engagement on issues facing the Early Childhood Sector

The meeting will hear from representatives from:

·       Association of Childhood Professionals, Ms Marian Quinn, Chairperson, and Ms Anne Clarke, Owner and Manager of the Playaway Creche,

·       Siptu, Mr Darragh O'Connor, Head of Strategic Organising and Ms Avril Green, Chairperson of the Early Years National Committee,

·       Federation of Early Childhood Providers, Ms Elaine Dunne, Chairperson and Ms Sonya Duggan, Member of Sub Advisory Committee

·       Early Childhood Ireland, Ms Teresa Heeney, Chief Executive Officer and Ms Frances Byrne, Director of Policy, and

·       Children’s Rights Alliance, Ms Julie Ahern, Legal, Policy and Services Director, and Dr Naomi Feely, Senior Research and Policy Manager.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Kathleen Funchion TD said “Our Committee has continued to highlight the challenges facing the Early Childhood Sector. It is imperative that the issue of the long-term underfunding in the Sector is addressed.

We are aware of the need to see implementation across a range of actions including financial supports, inclusion and consultation when designing the services which affect this important Sector and we will look for first-hand experiences from the stakeholders attending tomorrow in order for us to be able to provide adequate recommendations to the Department.”

Read more on the work carried out by The Joint Committee on Children, Disability, Equality, Integration & Youth

You can view the meeting in Committee Room 4 on Oireachtas TV