Pat Carey (Dublin North West, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Ó Caoláin is entitled to his view on what the Government is doing. I fundamentally disagree that there is an intention by the Government to close off any organisation that is providing worthwhile analyses of policy and is providing directions for policy. I was a member of the team that produced the child care report, as mentioned by the Deputy. It was an all-party report, and everybody on the group agreed with the approach. It was not completely taken on board, but the child care policy that was outlined is being implemented in stages. In due course, the child care programme to be made available to young children will be as good as that in any other country. This programme is being developed using the policy documents drawn up by the NESF.

I ask that Members reflect on this decision. It is well thought through. There is no intention at all to restrict the availability of analysis to Members of this House, to members of the public or to other policy groups throughout the country. There is still a mix of expertise and interests on the groups which heretofore had been present. On that basis, I commend the motion to the House.

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