Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House this evening. It is a pity the Minister, Deputy Michael McDowell, did not remain in the Chamber because as we all know the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform is the main driver of child care policy. I am not casting aspersions on the Minister of State but I would have preferred if the senior Minister had remained in the House for the debate. I do not want to be personal but if we were debating a legal or justice issue he would have remained.