Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

Like previous speakers, I am delighted to have an opportunity to speak on this issue. The equal opportunities child care programme is one of the most successful programmes ever introduced by any Government. In my home town of Ballymote in Sligo we received a grant of €1.3 million to set up a state-of-the-art crèche to provide child care at a reasonable cost to families on social welfare and for young working couples on low incomes who need support in terms of child care at a reasonable cost. It is important we remember these people.

I attended a meeting last Friday night in Dromahair in County Leitrim organised by the local crèche. Approximately 300 people with an interest in child care attended the meeting from all over County Leitrim. There is no doubting the genuine concern about the service that is currently provided. Part of the problem may be due to a lack of information. In fairness to the Minister of State who has requested information from the management of the existing child care facilities, it is difficult for him to make any decision until he receives the relevant information. It is necessary to examine who exactly is benefiting, what can be done and what amount of money is needed to continue the service in each area.

People know the benefit of the service they receive. In many cases those who are providing the service are young mothers who have improved their education by increasing their knowledge of child care. I spoke to the parents of a child care worker last night who has completed a level 4 course at her own expense and is considering doing a level 6 course, which is a degree course. She is a single parent. These people are totally dedicated to the job they do.

It was also pointed out to me that in many cases they have been working for the past five years without any pay increase. Some of them are working for less than the average industrial wage. I commend them on their dedication to the service they provide. When the relevant information comes back, I implore the Minister of State to seriously consider trying to maintain child care services as close as possible to current levels because there is no doubt they have provided a great service for people.

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