Mr. Carlos Martínez Mongay:

I thank the Deputy for those interesting questions in the sense that none of them can be given an immediate answer because they all relate to complex issues. On the question concerning whether the Commission is discriminating against people who would like to stay at home and take care of their children, the answer is definitely "No". There is no discrimination. The idea is to allow people to make choices and to give a choice to people who want to participate in the labour market but cannot do so because they have to take care of their children. We are not promoting a choice but giving them a choice. If people decide to participate in the labour market and would like to develop a professional life, the Commission's line is that we should ensure that a lack of sufficient and affordable childcare does not prevent them from entering the labour market. We are not saying that everybody should work. However, when an economy uses its maximum resources it is good for everybody because living standards increase. I agree with the Deputy that some things cannot be measured by economists or statisticians. In terms of the essence of the recommendation, we are not saying that everybody is obliged to participate but that a structure should be in place and all those who would like to benefit from it should have the option of doing so.