19 Feabh 2014, 16:11
Childcare will be on the agenda of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children tomorrow, Thursday, 20th February 2014 when it meets with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Frances Fitzgerald and representatives from Donegal County Childcare Committee; Startstrong and the Health Service Executive.
The schedule for the meeting is:
(i) Childcare in Ireland and Report on Support for Childcare for Working Families and Implications for Employment
9.30 am [Donegal County Childcare Committee; and Start Strong]; and
10.30 am [Minister for Children and Youth Affairs]; and
(ii) 11.45 am 6 months review of Breach of Trust childcare settings [Minister for Children and Youth Affairs; and TUSLA (Child and Family Agency)]
Committee Chairman, Jerry Buttimer TD said: “Tomorrow, our committee will focus on childcare, starting with the Report on Support for Childcare for Working Families and Implications for Employment. Commissioned by the Donegal County Childcare Committee and undertaken by Indecon International Economic Consultants, the report addressed the provision and affordability of childcare in Ireland and put forward key policy initiatives to reduce this as barrier for parents wishing to return to employment. We are looking forward to getting the perspectives of Minister Fitzgerald, as well as officials from Donegal County Council and representatives from Startstrong, the coalition of organisations and individuals committed to advancing high quality care and education, on the report’s findings and recommendations.”
Following the meeting on the Report on Support for Childcare for Working Families and Implications for Employment, Minister Fitzgerald and officials from TUSLA will discuss the 6 months review of Breach of Trust childcare settings with the Committee.
Deputy Buttimer said: “In light of last year’s RTÉ Prime Time programme which revealed shocking mistreatment of children at a number of crèches, the Committee will have an opportunity to discuss the six months review of childcare settings since that programme aired. This meeting will be an opportunity to consider issues such as vetting, inspections, enforcement, sanctions and regulation.”
The meeting will start at 9.30 am in Committee Room 2, Leinster House tomorrow, Thursday, 20th February 2014.
Committee proceedings can be followed live here.
Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the move, through the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.
Media Enquiries to:
Ciaran Brennan,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
Committee Membership:
Deputies: Jerry Buttimer (Chair), Catherine Byrne, Ciara Conway (Vice-Chair), Regina Doherty, Robert Dowds, Peter M Fitzpatrick, Seamus Healy, Billy Kelleher, Eamonn Maloney, Clare Daly, Sandra McLellan, Dan Neville, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin and Robert Troy
Senators: Colm Burke, John Crown, John Gilroy, Imelda Henry, Marc Mac Sharry and Jillian Van Turnhout