Ms Eilís Ní Chaithnía:

The Deputy has raised a number of important questions. I will respond briefly to them, but I can provide more details at a later date, if required.

On the child care scheme, the view of the National Women's Council of Ireland of the decision of the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Katherine Zappone, is that it represents a significant policy change. We are happy that a universal subsidised child care service will be available. We have mentioned our concern that the funding provided, €80 per month, will not radically reduce the amount people have to spend on child care. Child care costs are enormous, but the scheme represents a start. In that context, we are delighted. We fundamentally support the change in policy and have asked that the committee push for a significant increase in funding for the scheme in budget 2018. As Ms O'Connor said, we speak to the Minister about the issue on a regular basis and intend to make a submission during the Department's consultation process. There are a number of issues we want to address, in addition to the issue of funding.