John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

I thank the proposers of this motion as it highlights a growing and significant problem that affects many young families. The family is central to the Constitution, yet for many parents with young children, life in modern Ireland means smaller families but limited and expensive child care, long hours of commuting and great financial pressures in paying mortgages. Few young couples can afford that one parent stay at home. This would be the ideal solution which would suit many mothers and their children and serve the needs of society. However, the Government's policies are not about serving society but the needs of the economy. Children are second class citizens under the Fianna Fáil-Progressive Democrats Government. Some 46% of local authorities do not provide playgrounds. There are twice as many golf courses as playgrounds.

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