Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

I thank the Leader of the House for scheduling an early debate on early childhood care and education. As this is only one aspect of child care, which has finally become a priority issue, I call on the Leader to ensure the House holds regular debates on the subject.

The Parental Leave Bill, which left this House many months ago, has still not been dealt with by the Dáil. Despite the Government's protestations that it is giving this issue priority, the level of parental leave contained in the Bill is minimal and unpaid. There is a long way to go on this issue and the Opposition will need to keep a close eye on it.

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General. We heard much about the rip-off Republic during the summer. Contained within the covers of this report are very startling and serious facts demonstrating how taxpayers are being ripped off wholesale and how public money is being wasted.

I ask for a debate on the issue of the national treatment purchase fund and the serious anomalies revealed by the Comptroller and Auditor General. There is a worrying report that facts relating to the costs of treatment have not been released by the Department of Health and Children at its own request.

It is important that full information on the expenditure of taxpayers' money on this fund is revealed as soon as possible. The Minister should also come to the House and be accountable to Senators on this matter.