Joanna Tuffy (Labour)

I draw the Leader's attention to a nationwide poll on child care featured in today's Irish Examiner. As the mother of a young child, whose partner minds our child in the home, I identify strongly with this issue. The poll finds that in a high percentage of families, one parent cares for children in the home. Another significant finding is that four out of ten couples with two children believe the birth of a third child would necessitate the withdrawal of one parent from the workforce. Such parents must weigh up the costs of child care before making a decision on having any more children. The survey also finds that approximately two thirds of women leave full-time employment once they start a family. Some 20% of child care is carried out by family members, most often grandparents, in the home.

Of particular significance is the finding that 84% of parents surveyed believe the Government has failed to address the issue of child care. This poll endorses the policy document launched recently by my colleague, Senator O'Meara, which promotes the idea of choice and support for parents, irrespective of the choices they make in terms of care arrangements. I call for a debate on this issue, notwithstanding the awareness that, in approximately 18 months' time, the Government will be in power for ten years. It has done nothing to address this issue.