David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I accept that. The Labour Party opposed the measure and it must be even more difficult for Fianna Fáil Senators to sit here and have to listen to the Minister justify reducing the age threshold to seven years. She opposed the policy which the previous Government introduced. I hope the Minister will accept the bona fides of the arguments being put forward not just by Opposition parties but by the Independent Senators who are concerned about the impact this will have on lone parents. Nobody wants to see vulnerable people targeted or affected by budget changes when we believe it will have a negative impact on their quality of life. We are trying to make sure that before the provisions are introduced, which we oppose, the Minister should do what she said she would and provide the child care services needed.