Mary Seery Kearney (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to acknowledge that today launches breast cancer awareness month. We are all pretty in pink as a consequence. I commend the work of the Irish Cancer Society on highlighting the issue. I have lost a family member, my cousin's wife, through breast cancer at a very young age. She left behind young children. It is really important that people check their breasts, that they are thorough and regular on that and that those of a certain age go for their breast screening. It is a vital service. That is really important.

I particularly rise to ask for the Leader's support in writing to the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. I have done so in the past week. There is some confusion around the national childcare scheme with those who get their subsidy which is income-assessed and whether that is included in the 25% reduction to families. It would particularly affect lone parents and working mothers if they are not included. My understanding is that they are included and I am looking for that in writing to reassure groups of lone parent mothers. One wrote to me that she is the only one who is paying full-time childcare and soaring energy bills, is feeding and clothing her family and is putting petrol in to the car. She was the only one paying her mortgage and management fees. She is unable to claim GP or medical cards or one-parent or working-parent benefits. Here is a woman who is typical of a number of those who have contacted me who are looking for the reassurance that they are included. Our particular perspective and emphasis, which the Leader and I have echoed, is that this is about putting money back in people's pockets and making it more affordable. That is certainly the Fine Gael approach to this. I need that clarification from the Minister as a matter of urgency and I ask the Leader to write a letter to the Minister supporting my request for that.