asked the Minister for Health if he intends to provide substantial subsidies for creches to facilitate the mothers of households who, through economic necessity, have to supplement the family budget by working during the day.
22.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Creche Subsidies.
21.
asked the Minister for Health if he intends to provide assistance for daytime creches; and the standards that would be required for their operation.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 22 together.
The general question of care facilities for pre-school children, including creches and day-nurseries, is one of the matters being considered by the Task Force on Child Care Services which I set up last October. I will consider the matter carefully in the light of the recommendations on the subject which will be made to me by the task force.
In the meantime health boards are subsidising 31 creches and day nurseries run by voluntary agencies, mainly in the larger urban areas. One of the groups catered for under these arrangements are mothers of households, who through economic necessity, have to seek outside employment.