Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

Does that mean the Taoiseach and the Government are contemplating the acceptance of the Labour Party's child care policy? The Taoiseach is aware that just one person in ten believes child care is affordable. Some 84% of those who responded to the survey in the Irish Examiner believe the Government has failed to address the issue of child care. The average cost of keeping a child in crèche care is €724 which, depending on one's tax circumstances, is equivalent at a minimum to €1,065 per month, or €13,000 per annum. Many people are spending more on child care than on their mortgages. This is a fundamental aspect of the debate about the nature of family life and society. Nine out of ten people believe the Government has failed to deal adequately with child care issues. Does the Taoiseach intend to take action of the nature proposed in the Labour Party document? Does he intend to respond to the suggestion that parental leave be increased? Does he intend to make provision for preschool education? Bearing in mind that many couples are working in one and a half jobs, does the Taoiseach intend to underline by legislative measures the right to flexible part-time working? Child care is one of the biggest issues faced by society and many of the electorate. Given the amount of taxes people are paying and the extent of the Government's budget surplus, the electorate wants to know the nature of the Government's response.

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