Seanad debates
Wednesday, 26 November 2003
Book of Estimates 2004: Statements.
I note in the Estimates that the Government has prioritised investment in our social and economic future in the areas of health, education and infrastructure. Regarding comments by previous speakers on crèches, child care has become a major issue in Ireland. It is time to examine carefully how we fund child care projects, and to look at the under-utilisation of the resources we have, such as our schools system. Rather than continuing the policy of funding garage conversions in order that people can run small crèches, I am much more interested in utilising the structures already in place, such as our school system. In other countries I have seen where parents' associations can take over the school infrastructure after normal school hours, provide crèche facilities to incorporate play areas, study areas and so on, and keep those schools functioning until 7 p.m. I do not see why the money we are investing in crèches should not be directed towards that area, and such developments encouraged. It is not acceptable to fund garage conversions when we already have an infrastructure which could be properly utilised.
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