Mr. Toby Wolfe:

There are just two questions on which I would like to pick up. The first concerns the possibility of tax relief. Whatever funding is put in place, be it through the free preschool year, CETS scheme or tax credits, it is critical that quality be linked to any funding measure, as was clearly evident in the "Prime Time" programme. Irrespective of the merits of tax credits, a mechanism has to be in place to ensure that only quality services will give rise to tax credit entitlements.

On the question of supports for parents, I agree that many parents are struggling financially and with the difficulty of achieving a work-life balance. Sometimes parents struggle in their parenting role also. If we are to develop a comprehensive national strategy for children's early years, it must address the circumstances of children in all settings, including centre-based services, childminding facilities or informal care. It must set out ways in which we can support parents at home. Specifically, the extension of paid parental leave beyond the six months of maternity leave to the period that UNICEF recommends, which is at least one year, should be included so children under one will not need to be cared for outside the home. Second, work-life balance measures should be catered for. A right to request flexible work is a critical measure that would not incur a cost but which would empower parents to ask for flexible working arrangements. It is critical to ensure there is a national plan for the delivery of parenting supports. It would support parents in their parenting role.