Ivor Callely
Question:67 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform the commitment in Partnership 2000 for child care provisions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4562/97]
Written Answers. - Child Care Provisions.
I welcome the recognition contained in Partnership 2000 of the importance of child care in promoting equality for women, and especially in promoting equal opportunities in employment. I am particularly heartened by the proposal for the establishment of an expert working group under Partnership 2000, to be chaired by my Department. This expert working group will involve the relevant interests in developing a strategy which integrates the different strands of the current arrangements for the development and delivery of child care and early educational services, and in devising a national framework for the development of the child care sector.
This expert group will consider the conclusions of the working group on the job potential of child care, and the ESRI survey of child care arrangements currently being undertaken on behalf of the Commission on the Family as well as the specific issues set out in Partnership 2000.
This is a positive development which will greatly improve the prospects for more interagency co-operation on child care. I can assure the Deputy that the expert group will have my full support in its endeavours.