Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

The Minister should come to the House to explain why it is proposed. Yet again we see a regulator that is willing to impose costs on independent businesses as opposed to making hard decisions about itself.

I support what Senators Fitzgerald and McFadden said about the need for a debate on this report. For too long a vision of child care for children in need was the inside of a bed and breakfast, and we can see the tragic consequences. The report which Senator Fitzgerald mentioned needs to be debated urgently.

Last week I asked for a debate on restructuring ministerial portfolios. We have heard the view of the Green Party on the matter today and it needs to be clarified. Its Ministers are punching below their weight and earning more than they are worth. They should come to the House to explain why something like this is relevant and important when, as Senator Buttimer has said, more than 420,000 of our fellow citizens are without a job at all.