The Deputy will no doubt be aware of the important advance made in respect of the public service on this matter under the Programme for National Recovery. It has been agreed that childcare facilities will be provided on the basis of the State providing the physical space and the staff paying the running costs. Details of timing and implementation have yet to be worked out.
As regards the private sector I note that the role of employers in the provision of workplace creches has been limited in most EC countries and that where it exists, it is usually in response to a strong demand for such provision among a substantial number of parents employed by an employer or employers in an area. I believe that workplace provision can make a useful contribution to encouraging the participation of women in the labour market and that arrangements for the provision of such facilities would be an appropriate matter for negotiation between the social partners. I also believe that there is a need to create the conditions for the building up of a network of services by employers in the private sector, and I have set up a working group to advise me on possible further practical initiatives which I can take in that sphere.