Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received the report, An Accessible Childcare Model, by the National Women's Council of Ireland; if this report has been examined with a view to action in so far as it concerns his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29644/05]

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 68: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has received the report of the National Economic and Social Forum on early childhood care and education; if this report has been examined with a view to action in so far as it concerns his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29643/05]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 44 and 68 together.

The Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, EOCP, 2000-2006, which is implemented by my Department, has been a landmark development in Irish child care policy. As this very successful investment programme has reached its final stage, the full range of child care issues and how we should best address them are being critically examined at this time, with a view to informing the forward planning process.

In addition to consideration at cross-departmental level, a number of respected bodies have issued or are about to issue informative reports. These include the recent reports of the National Women's Council of Ireland, NWCI, which was funded by my Department, and the National Economic and Social Forum, NESF. I welcome both of these reports for their timeliness and the comprehensive manner in which they have contributed to the ongoing debate on child care.

These two reports make a series of recommendations which would impact on a wide range of cross cutting issues. The issues relevant to my Department include the expansion of the supply of child care places through the continuation of the equal opportunities child care programme and the significant revision and extension of the existing maternity and parental leave arrangements. The recommendations on these issues, amongst others, form part of the background to the consideration of a broad range of child care issues, which is taking place at interdepartmental level in the high-level working group on early childhood care and education, under the co-ordination of the National Children's Office.

It is widely accepted that child care policy and provision in Ireland is at an important watershed. It is important that a long-term outlook and strategic approach are adopted. My Department has been at the forefront in developing quality child care services through the EOCP and I hope to continue this role and its valuable contribution to future Government policy on child care.