Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)

The Minister of State should listen to the points made by my colleagues. The recent example cited by Deputy Sheahan reflects what is taking place nationwide.

As the father of two young children and someone who relies on crèche facilities, I am acutely aware of the crippling child care costs imposed on parents in the State. Such costs can be even more demanding on those who are disadvantaged. The proposed new child care subvention scheme must be altered radically in order that neither children nor their parents in disadvantaged areas are neglected. It is a scheme that was tabled cynically by the Government for commencement in the year after the general election because it knew the measure would not be welcomed. It knew it would not be popular because it is aware it does not help some of those it is designed to help most.

In this case, it may be appropriate to say, "suffer little children". However, not only will children in disadvantaged areas suffer, so too will their parents and those who provide care for them in their home localities. Effectively, the present EOCP programme was designed as a back to work scheme in order that those who aspired towards a better quality of life, job satisfaction and a sense of self-worth by contributing to the community and reinstating themselves into society, could so do without being completely crippled by those child care costs to which Deputy Sheahan referred. Child care costs in Ireland are the highest in Europe and have risen by more than 22% in the last two years alone.

The current scheme, which was designed as a back to work measure, could be replaced by one that does the opposite. Those people who gain from employment, which helps their quality of life, self-esteem and self-worth, may be obliged to return to a reliance on social welfare payments because the new scheme will not make working a viable option. Those who are struggling at present may find that the scheme increases unbearably the financial pressures on them. Those who wish to obtain essential training and education will find it to be increasingly difficult, if not impossible. Members should be encouraging women to return to the workforce, to increase equality in the workforce and to create an increased sense of equality for the most disadvantaged, who most need it.

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