Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Norris on the idea for a national positivity day. If the records are checked, I spoke on this about two years ago. It is not all bad news but it is depressing how the media sometimes just covers the bad news. There are some good news stories and human communication of positivity is good for everybody.

I did not have an opportunity yesterday to welcome the debate on councillors, councillors' rights and the way the situation has changed since the reform of local government. I welcome the Minister's assurances that he will take account of the new review group recommendations, when they are made, in association with the AILG and LAMA. He will be looking at that situation and we can expect some positive changes there.

I want it read into the record that I had tabled a Commencement matter on the abolition of rates for child care facilities. I have been advocating for this for a long time. We now have two years of free preschool places for every child in Ireland. This is the first year the Department of Education and Skills has become involved in preschool inspections. As a result of the Valuation (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2012, all the not-for-profit crèches do not now pay rates.I also wish to read into the record that the Minister of State stated: "In addition to the exemption of those that provide child care and early education on a not-for-profit basis, the Valuation Office's interpretation of paragraph 10, Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act 2001 means that those that only provide the early childhood care and education scheme are also exempt from rates."