Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

Given the U-turn on child care and the fact the situation has changed drastically since the Minister for Health and Children spoke on the issue in the House, will the Leader arrange for further debate on the issue? There is uncertainty on the issue and we need clarity on who will benefit from the funding arrangements. I have received four phone calls on the issue since the Minister's announcement. We need clarity on the situation with regard to parents on low incomes who are not on social welfare payments. We need further debate on this.

In support of the comments made by Senator Ross, we need debate on how Government budgetary forecasts are formulated, especially in light of this morning's ESRI report.