Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

A series of supplementary questions have been put by the Deputy. The Government's target for procurement costs is to save €150 million this year, a very significant saving. The Deputy is aware that the cost of energy has come down dramatically. The budget was built on a Brent oil figure of €105 per barrel, but it is now at €43 or €44. The Government's policy is to ensure these savings are passed to the consumer. The same would apply to heating oil.

Child care is one issue that is putting a structural obstacle in place of full participation by women in the workforce.

It is an issue currently being examined by my Department. Primary responsibility for this matter lies with the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, with whom I have already had discussions on the issue. It is easy to identify the problem but difficult to arrive at a solution. However, we are working on it.

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