Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)

I wish to request the adjournment of the Dáil under Standing Order 31 to raise a matter of urgent national and local importance, namely, the need to review radically the availability of child care and to examine the factors which are driving the cost of child care provision. Despite the introduction of a grant of €1,000 in respect of children under the age of six in last year's budget, many families continue to complain that it was a drop in the ocean, at best, and that they face serious pressure in covering costs. We need to consider new options including a further extension of maternity leave, the role that can be played by the voluntary sector and the fact that the costs of child care providers are being passed on to parents. There is a need for a full debate on the issue.

See this speech in context