Tom Parlon (Laois-Offaly, Progressive Democrats)

As Senator Mansergh said, €1.9 billion is a very substantial contribution to child care costs. A combination of issues puts extra pressure on the area. There is practically full employment in this country and people spend a large section of their time commuting.

Senator Phelan raised the issue, which I suspect is an urban myth, about the group in Kerry which made an application for the grant. Criteria is laid down under the equal opportunities child care programme. They must be community-based, not-for-profit organisations. Therefore they are mainly run by parents, and I have recently met a number of such groups.

Another criteria for qualifying for the grant is that one must be ready to go. Some €313 million is available from now until next year. The Government will not get much benefit from giving a grant to a group in Kerry if the facility is not going to be built. If the Senator has some information, then I would like to hear it. I have supported a number of groups and having the site, the planning permission and the plans drawn up is crucial.