Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The group raised many issues and finalised seven basic proposals, all of which are in the public domain. I agree with Deputy Rabbitte that child care is a major and significant issue. I do not believe that every single proposal that has been made by every group can be accepted at once. I have noted that many of the organisations have said we need to build on the successes which have been achieved over recent years. Most people acknowledge achievements such as the considerable increase from €38 to €141. I accept that some people are paying as much, if not more, on child care as on their mortgages. I do not deny that it is a huge drain on such people's resources. The Government is considering what it can do about this problem, which cannot be totally resolved in one go. The Government trebled child care payments in a single budget by implementing a huge increase of €32.

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