Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The Government has signalled its intent to set aside the funding provisions contained in the equal opportunities child care programme for community-provided child care services, which will have a clear effect, particularly in the area of low-income families and those already struggling to meet demands. There is legislation promised in the Government's programme of legislation that is intended to address low-income families in particular and those receiving lone parent payments. I am speaking specifically about the social welfare lone parent and other low income families reform Bill. In light of what is now signalled and its intended implementation in 2008, is there any prospect of the Government bringing forward that legislation that can address some of those who will be directly affected, although I emphasise clearly that not everyone will be affected?

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