Sheila Terry (Fine Gael)

In an effort to be positive for a change, I acknowledge that the Minister has at last recognised this. However, I am concerned that women must wait until next September for this recognition. I cannot understand why, now that the Ministers for Finance and Social and Family Affairs have acknowledged at long last that women should be recognised in this way, they must wait until next September to be given the payment in their own right. Will the Leader inquire whether it can be done more speedily?

I am disappointed with the budget provisions on child care services. Parents of young and schoolgoing children are disappointed that no meaningful help is being provided. The small increase in child benefit will not do anything to help with child care services which cost between €1,000 and €1,800 a month.