Joe O'Toole (Independent)

That seems very niggardly, if that is the best the Cathaoirleach can offer me. It may be a long minute.

The experience of other countries should be studied. The NESF has conducted a survey of the literature available. There is nothing the high-level group can do that has not been done. The proposals made by the different groups should be considered. The proposals from the national quality framework for early childhood education will be presented to the Department of Education and Science this week and will be formally launched next month.

I have five points which I ask the Minister of State to consider. I suggest one Minister of State in one Department should deal with the area of child care and child education. I suggest that maternity leave be extended to 26 weeks and that paid parental leave be available for 26 weeks. I suggest universal access for all three year olds to care and education, whichever is appropriate. I suggest an accreditation system for all providers of child care. These suggestions could be written by the Minister of State on the back of an envelope and there is no need for a long speech. These are five easy points.