Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I remind Senators that this is national child care week. It is appropriate that, on our first day back, we remind ourselves of how badly the Government is serving both members of the public and Members of the two Houses when it comes to delivering adequate child care facilities. I ask the Leader once again to arrange a debate in the House on child care. The Government should be taking the lead on this issue, particularly by providing a child care facility in this House and in every Department.

I wish to take the opportunity to extend my congratulations to Senator Tuffy who had a baby over the summer recess. Senator Tuffy will come in here and this House will not serve her child care needs very well. However, she is but one of many young mothers and fathers in need of child care whom the Government is letting down. The Government should be taking the lead. I ask that we arrange a debate on child care as soon as possible.