Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his somewhat historical reply giving a rundown on the position to date. Next month it will be two years since his predecessor, the Minister, Deputy Brennan, published the findings following the report. As the Minister stated, Deputy Brennan engaged in consultation in major fora, etc.

When will decisions be made in this regard? The Minister has stated that he would like to see changes in the next budget and he has given us some idea of the way he intends to go about it. Prior to that will people know, not so much the figures in terms of payment which will be announced in the budget but exactly how it will operate? Has the Minister reached a decision as to whether the proposals will be mandatory or voluntary? That is a important issue and it will be a difficult matter on which to make a decision.

In terms of the practicalities, the Minister has spoken about consultation. Obviously, the availability of transport to get people to work, training, etc., will be an issue, particularly in rural areas. The second stumbling block will be child care facilities. Has the Minister any proposals to get over those two major problems?

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