Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The funding of a second year is a matter for the Government. I must make the point, however, that if one compares Ireland with other countries in terms of direct cash payments to families, as outlined in the report published by the Minister for Social Protection two months ago, we come a very respectable fourth out of 27 countries.

I take the point that parents need it but if we also want universal and free child care the question of funding it becomes very acute, particularly in the context of current resources. I have already outlined the approach I am taking to the development of child care services. It is a budgetary issue and as our national finances improve we can invest further and, hopefully, move towards more affordable and accessible child care.