Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

In deference to the Cathaoirleach's request, I will be brief. We will deal with child care legislation relating to fostering and adoption tomorrow which is welcome, but I ask the Leader of the House to arrange for a debate specifically on the publication by the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Lenihan, of proposed new regulations in the child care area. I very much welcome their publication, having called for them in this House for a considerable time. The regulations were published on Monday, 9 October and service providers have until the end of the year to give their response to them because the new regulations will come into place on 1 January next. I understand from providers that this is too short a period and they need a longer time to meet the requirement for the putting in place of them, that they have implications for the Garda vetting unit in Thurles and providers are greatly concerned that the new regulations will further increase the cost of child care for parents. That is not acceptable as many parents and providers are at the pin of their collar in trying to cope. I ask the Leader to arrange for a debate in this House on the proposed regulations in the next month or two.