Mary White (Fianna Fail)

Some time ago, the National Economic and Social Forum produced a draft report which indicated that 10% of children nationally suffer literacy problems. Nobody can fail to be shocked at the reality that one tenth of young people cannot read and write to an adequate standard. The indications are that such children are likely to end up unemployed, living in poverty and possibly even facing imprisonment. The introduction of the universal provision of a year's pre-schooling for children between the ages of three years and three months and four years and six months will undoubtedly benefit the most vulnerable children. It is one of the most welcome and significant initiatives of any Government and will make a dramatic change in the lives of children from disadvantaged backgrounds. The parents of many such children cannot afford to pay for pre-schooling.

What is required now is a fair deal, similar to that introduced in respect of nursing home charges, for the providers of child care services. Such providers are not treated on an equitable basis across the State, with commercial rates entirely dependent on the particular local authority. This was the case previously in respect of nursing home charges, with the degree of expense depending on where one lived. I call on the Minister to introduce a scheme of standard commercial rates for child care providers throughout the State. As it stands, educational establishments do not have to pay commercial rents. Now that a universal, State-provided educational provision is available in pre-school facilities, they should not be subject to arbitrary commercial rates. Certainty in this regard will encourage more providers to enter the scheme, thus ensuring there is capacity for the 70,000 children eligible for places next year.