Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I welcome the latest U-turn on the child care scheme announced by the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Brendan Smith, yesterday. This was impossible to do a while ago but I would like to refer to a number of features of the scheme. First, a new category is being introduced comprising low income families, which are just above the family income supplement threshold. A payment of €45 per week will be provided but I am not sure how that was evaluated or whether it will make a meaningful contribution for parents in that category. Second, the Minister of State issued a press release yesterday but the details of the scheme were not circulated and they have not been adopted by the House. Will the Taoiseach indicate when that will happen? Third, the Government stated clearly it wanted to evaluate the scheme. The Department has extensive information on incomes and other questions answered by parents. In order that every Member and every party and none would be fully acquainted with the scheme, 95% of which was proposed by Deputy Shatter on behalf of the Fine Gael Party some time ago, is it the Taoiseach's intention to publish the evaluation so that all Members will be fully briefed on the extent of the changes, the details and the recommendations in this regard?

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