Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

I move amendment No. 8:

In page 3, before section 2, to insert the following new section:

"2. The Minister shall, as soon as may be after the passing of this Act, prepare and lay before both Houses of the Oireachtas a report on the impact of the discontinuation of the crèche supplement.".

This amendment seeks information on the impact of the discontinuation of the crèche supplement last year. How many children or households did it affect? I believe it impacted on both the child and the family but I am not sure how this is measured. I thank the Minister for reinstating the supplement this year.

That certain communities have become very dependent on their community crèches, which provide a great service, demonstrates how much they are required in certain areas. We had a lengthy discussion on the cost of crèches yesterday and I will not revisit the issue. What changes will the Minister make through the reinstatement of the crèche supplement?