Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Like the Deputy, I read all these things with very great interest. We set out the economic horizons and I engaged with Ministers, who have great flexibility within their budget lines to reprioritise. However, it must be decided by the Government as a whole. People are entitled to debate these plans and, under the new budgetary system, I have encouraged such debates. The committees of the House should debate these challenging issues, such as child care. Should we have an additional preschool year? Should we have a different method of support? Is the current provision working? Then, we can cost any proposals that emerge and see how they fit in. I would not seek to stifle initiatives by colleagues to address real needs they perceive in their areas.

See this speech in context