Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

The child care Bill remains on the list of promised legislation. Is there any prospect that the Taoiseach would consider expanding the focus of that Bill, given the continued concerns felt throughout the country about the proposed community child care subvention scheme? Is he aware that Dublin City Council last night unanimously passed a motion calling for the suspension of the introduction of that scheme, for the continuation of the EOCP support for community child care provision and for a full consultative process to be initiated with providers, parents and interested parties in regard to the construction of such a scheme? In line with that unanimous decision, which also included the Taoiseach's colleagues elected councillors in this city, will he consider this clear request, that is echoed throughout the country, to examine this legislation with a view to determining whether it can be expanded to address these issues of concern? Will he make an intervention with the Minister to have his proposed scheme suspended and expanded in line with the needs of communities and individual parents?

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