Seanad debates

Monday, 30 April 2012

Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012: Committee Stage (Resumed)

 

12:00 pm

Photo of David NorrisDavid Norris (Independent)

I agree with my Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin colleagues on this issue. There is a clear conflict between what the Minister said a week or so ago and what is proposed. With the best will in the world, I do not believe for one second that it will be possible to produce the required number of affordable places. It has not happened in the past so why would it happen now? What evidence can the Minister give that this will happen? Child carers and creches are extremely expensive and they do not always work. We heard during the past few days of a child who had been left behind by creche staff and was found wandering along the canal. There are serious concerns around this issue. I find it impossible to believe that the Minister is capable, within the short space of time that will be provided if we pass section 4 of this Bill, of providing the appropriate number of affordable, safe and appropriate child care places.

It seems to me to be all of apiece with the type of policy that is termed "community care". Many community and psychiatric hospitals which care for the elderly have been closed. While in A Vision for Change this was considered an admirable project it was predicated on new places being available in advance of the closure of such facilities. I do not believe they have been provided. I am interested to hear from the Minister if the number of places required has been quantified and are ready to go. If not, I will be supporting the amendments.

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