Dan Boyle (Cork South Central, Green Party)

——he must take this on board if he wants to leave an imprint on the type of society that will result from his economic policies. The ugly side of the Celtic tiger is the imprint left by his predecessor. It is those policies that we, on this side of the House, continue to oppose. The Minister has an opportunity to reverse and ameliorate his predecessor's effects on child care and caring in the home policies.

While I support Deputy McGrath's amendment, wider debate and policy proposals are needed in this area. It is unfortunate the Government is silent on how it intends to deal with the issue. Deputy Burton spoke of the mixed signals coming from the Government, particularly with community provision of child care. At the end of December letters from the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform stated funding could not be guaranteed for such facilities beyond 31 August 2005. While we are talking about the lack of proper recognition within the tax system, the Government, through another Department, is reviewing whatever level of support is available. Those providing much needed facilities will now be told to fend for themselves in an uncertain future.

This is what we have encountered when canvassing in County Meath and north Kildare. While these two constituencies will get more than enough name-checks until next Friday, this issue affects communities throughout the State. In inner city communities the only alternative child care provision is through the community. However, the Government is not offering any long-term support in this regard. The balance must be struck for a tax on social welfare support and wider grant aid support. However, there is no chance of balancing both sides of this equation. It requires the very political willingness the Government lacks.

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