Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

Will the Minister comment on the concerns expressed about the provisions of this section, that it will force parents to look at full-time employment once a child reach seven years of age, without providing the necessary child care supports? I welcome the Government's continuing commitment, under the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald, to supporting child care services across the country, particularly in the State sector. I am pleased to learn, therefore, that there has been no cut in the budget this year for the statutory child care committees. I am chairman of Leitrim child care committee and a meeting was held earlier today in the IFSC with departmental officials.