Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

With all the discussion about commitments, policies, Government decisions and the Minister's integrity, we are forgetting that this is a parliament and that it has a responsibility to pass laws. All that will matter at the end of our deliberations will be the words that are contained in the Bill when it is enacted. Nothing else matters and, as a result, any debate on commitments, promises or taking the Minister at her word is, with respect, completely meaningless regarding the date for the coming into force of this legislation. It was around the beginning of May that the ancient Fianna were obliged to go out and fend for themselves. The three mottos of Na Fianna were "Glaine ár gcroí", "Neart ár ngéag" agus "Beart de réir ár mbriathar". What we are seeking from the Minister is "Beart de réir ar mbriathar", or to paraphrase, action according to her words. The action we are seeking is not a promise, a policy or a Government decision but rather a change to the legislation.

The Bill will come into force on 3 May next and it is unusual to see such provision made in legislation. Certain provisions of the budget come into force at midnight on the day on which it is introduced. Normally, however, there is a general provision which states that the Minister will enact the relevant legislation on a date of his or her choosing. The reality is that we do not have "Beart de réir ár mbriathar" and there is good reason in this instance to question the Minister's briathar, her word. Anyone who is in the unfortunate position of becoming a single mother, either next week or the week after, will be subject to different rules from those which apply to everyone else because the lower age limit will apply in respect of her child. In addition, the Scandinavian model of children care to which the Minister referred will not be in place here. I am not overly familiar with the Scandinavian model of child care. I have two children who attend a crèche and a play-school, respectively. I am, therefore, very familiar with the early childhood care and education, ECCE, scheme, which has been a great success and which needs to be expanded. What preparatory work has been carried out by the Minister's Department or the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on this matter? Was it the case that a statement was made in the Dáil in recent days to relieve the huge pressure that was being exerted?

We all have respect for the Minister - that goes without question. If, however, those opposite have respect for children and parents, if they actually want to make changes to the law and if they want this Parliament to have a level of self-respect, then their own wishes, which they have clearly articulated, should be expressed in the form of a vote. In that context, it should be a case of "Beart de réir ár mbriathar". I encourage those on the Government benches to vote in accordance with what they have stated during this debate.