Specifically on the question the Deputy raised about Grace and the commission of investigation, the commission, which was into certain matters relating to disability services in the south east and other related matters and is known as the Farrelly commission, is an entirely independent statutory commission of investigation empowered to investigate matters of significant public concern. It possesses robust investigative powers and, by design and by law, exercises its functions and powers independently of the Governm…

The building blocks extension grant scheme is designed to increase the number of full day places for one- to three-year-olds, pre-ECCE age range, in existing core funding partner services. A total of €25 million has been made available and it is anticipated to deliver a significant increase in places for this age cohort. The building blocks extension grant scheme is offering the largest capital grants in many years and allows, for the first time since the national childcare investment programme, for the purchase or…

I assure the Deputy that childcare and early learning is an absolute priority of this Government. The building blocks extension grant scheme is an important part of that. I appreciate that €25 million is €25 million, but the 78 applications were just the applications. There was no impediment in saying "We will take only X number". That was what we received. It is important that up to €750,000 is available to not-for-profit providers wishing to purchase or construct a new premises delivering net additional capacity.…

To be fair, the Deputy has put it very eloquently and succinctly. Access to childcare and early learning opportunities is hugely important, and the Government recognises that. As regards our commitment, the present building blocks extension scheme money is required to be spent in this calendar year, and the Department does not currently have any further funding available for additional capital schemes this year. However, the approach to capital investment in future years is being considered within the context of th…

I thank the Deputy. I acknowledge many early learning and childcare services report recruitment and retention challenges. In general, these challenges are not caused by insufficient supply of qualified staff, but by high levels of turnover. The most recent annual early years sector profile survey shows staff turnover is at 24.5%. It is estimated that one third of staff leaving services are doing so to move to another service. Staff turnover is linked to pay and working conditions. However, the State is not an emplo…

The key issue that has been identified across the sector with retention of staff is the financial rewards they get to do the work they do. These are professionals who deserve to be paid at the rate they should be paid. It is for that reason there is a ring-fenced €45 million being made available. I accept the independence of the joint labour committee but I am saying €45 million is available and I would like to see it being used to the maximum for the workers so they would be suitably paid.

I welcome the opportunity to discuss in the Seanad today the issue of early learning and childcare. The Government recognises the importance of early learning and childcare services to society and to the economy. Most importantly, we recognise the importance of the service to the thousands of children and families they serve every day. This is very clear in the programme for Government. On this note, I was pleased to be part of the negotiating team for the programme for Government. I am pleased with the commitments…

The writer Samuel Johnson has observed that "once the forms of civility are violated", kindness and decency are challenged. In our schools, we have a policy of cineáltas - kindness or civility. I am thankful that there were very few students in the Public Gallery last week to witness what happened in this Chamber, a Chamber at the heart of our democracy. Last Tuesday, civility was replaced by chaos. There were appalling scenes of vitriol, screaming, shouting, uproar and pandemonium. This is not who we are as Irish …

One of the best developments in Gaelic football has been the introduction of "hand back the ball", the rule that says when the referee blows the whistle for a foul, you hand back the ball. It is a mark of dignity and respect, and it has reduced unnecessary schemozzles, flare-ups and everything else. Colleagues, now is the time to hand back the ball to the Ceann Comhairle. Respect her office and those who work in her office. Hand back the ball; game on.

I thank the Members of Seanad Éireann for making time today to discuss this motion concerning the order I propose to make to extend the termination date of the financial contribution scheme for hosts of temporary protection beneficiaries from Ukraine, known as the accommodation recognition payment, ARP, scheme. The extension of the scheme is the only item for consideration today. The scheme was introduced in July 2022 in response to the outpouring of support from the Irish public, who opened their homes to provide …

I should have taken the opportunity at the outset to congratulate all Senators on their election and to wish them well. I thank them all for their contributions and for taking the time to carefully consider the motion to extend the ARP scheme. As provided for under the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, the draft order has been laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas. It cannot be made law, however, until a resolution approving the order has been passed by each House. Therefore, approval of the motion…

I move: That Dáil Éireann approves the following Order in draft: Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 4(2)) (Scheme Termination Date) Order 2025, a copy of which was laid in draft form before Dáil Éireann on the 6th March, 2025. I thank the Members of Dáil Éireann for making time today to discuss this motion concerning the order I propose to make to extend the termination date of the financial contributions scheme for hosts of temporary protection beneficiaries from Ukraine known as the accommodat…

I appreciate the contributions of all Deputies. I thank them for taking the time to carefully consider this motion to extend the ARP scheme. It would be remiss of me, however, if I did not mention in particular the former Minister, Deputy O'Gorman, and acknowledge his sterling work in this area and in the provision of care for Ukrainians. I wish to put that on the record. As provided for under the Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022, the draft order laid before both Houses of the Oireachtas cannot be made…

If Deputies agree in principle with the scheme being in place, they should vote in favour of the motion.

Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh Gníomhach, as an am agus an deis a thabhairt dom. I welcome this motion from the Labour Party because it provides an opportunity to discuss the importance of family carers, particularly young carers. I particularly want to acknowledge Deputy Wall in proposing the motion. I also want to acknowledge the work of Family Carers Ireland and all of those referenced today, including Sarah Ann, Benjamin, Conor, Lucy, Noah and, equally important, all of those who have not been named but w…

It is a great honour to stand here today, ahead of International Women’s Day, as the newly appointed Minister for children, disability and equality. Throughout my career, it has always been incredibly important to me to ensure that women and girls of all ages have the same opportunities as their male counterparts in all aspects of their professional and personal lives. Equality of opportunity has always been a guiding principle for me in everything that I have sought to achieve throughout my time in government. In …

Gabhaim buíochas leis an gCeann Comhairle as ucht an t-am agus an deis a thabhairt dom. A change of Government often brings with it a renewed sense of optimism, an opportunity to reassess our priorities and refocus our minds on the commitments and promises that have been made both here in this Chamber as well as on the doorsteps of homes across the country. Nowhere is this more urgent than for those living with disabilities, including their families, carers and those working in the sector who, for too long, have of…

I thank the Deputy. Just for information, the mother and baby institutions payment scheme opened for applications in March 2024. The underpinning legislation for the scheme provides for a number of reports and reviews to be produced. Section 12 provides for annual reports to be prepared by 30 June by the chief deciding officer of the scheme. These reports are to include details on applications, determinations, staffing and training. Section 48 provides for two reviews into the operation of the scheme to be complete…

I thank the Deputy. I appreciate the points she is making but given that we have not yet reached the one-year anniversary and I have not received either the annual report or the first of the two reviews, it would be premature to go into the system of review. The Deputy referenced sincerely the need in respect of promotion, advertising and allowing people to be aware that the scheme is in place. The interdepartmental group that advised the Government on the design of the scheme estimated the cost of communication an…

I thank the Deputy. We want to the scheme to work. That is why so much effort is going into the whole advertising element of it and much more. Regarding those who are excluded from the scheme, I absolutely understand the points that are raised by so many. However, those identified by the commission of investigation as having a main function of providing shelter and supervision from an antenatal and post-natal point of view to mothers and children were deemed to be the institutions. There will be an annual report at…