Margaret Cox (Fianna Fail)

I wish to share my time with Senator White. I am delighted the Minister of State is here today. He gave a comprehensive review of the Act and the work being done. I wish to focus on and widen the debate. The Minister of State does not have responsibility for child care and its cost, but it is important to use this opportunity to address the issues, particularly as we are facing into the budget. I am sure the Leader will allow another debate on child care in the near future. However, it would be remiss of me to let the opportunity pass without speaking on the matter today.

I wish to place my remarks in context by recognising the work that has been done and the successful initiatives that have been put in place regarding the way in which we deal with the issue of looking after the children of our nation. I smile each time I see the bumper sticker which says be nice to your children because they pick your nursing home. Our children are our future. Every penny we invest in our children and their future will be repaid hundreds of times over in terms of increased peace and prosperity, a stable society and economic growth. This area deserves the greatest attention and investment.

I welcome the appointment of the Ombudsman for Children. When the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, was Minister of State with special responsibility for children, she brought that legislation to this House. We were excited by the concept and it is marvellous to see the work that has been done in that regard.

The national children's plan is a fantastic document. It sets out the strategic role with regard to the Government and the objectives which we should work towards. We see all types of initiatives, such as playgrounds, throughout the country which reflect commitment in this area. When I was elected to the House in 1997, there were not as many playgrounds in Ireland. Now they are sprouting up all over the place. Those types of initiatives and facilities are important and I commend the Government in this regard.

In 1997, people received IR£38.10 child benefit for a first and second child; in 2004, the amount is €131.60. People receive €165.30 in child benefit for a third and fourth child. According to a book published by CORI, there is widespread support for increasing child benefit if child poverty is to be eliminated. Child benefit is also an effective component in any strategy to improve quality. It remains a key route to tackling child poverty and is of particular benefit to families on the lowest incomes. It is up to the Minister of State and his Cabinet colleagues to ensure that, as we approach the budget in 2005, we continue the increases in child benefit and that we do not stop and think our job is done. It is not done.

I want to address the issue of child care costs, although I will need to return to it in another debate. I am not sure if the Minister of State or his colleagues understand the point I wish to make. I employ a childminder and I pay this individual a salary and PRSI out of my net income. None of that is tax deductible. It is ridiculous. We must bring this to the attention of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen. We are running around in circles, wasting money and not getting the benefit of it. We have improved the number of crèche places, child care services and childminding and education facilities. That is wonderful but it is not enough. Some 30% of people pay more for child care than they do for their mortgage. It is a startling and frightening statistic and we must do something about it. I look forward to another debate on the issue.