Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Oct 1998

Vol. 495 No. 4

Written Answers. - National Women's Council Report.

Michael Ferris

Question:

63 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his initial response to Caring for All Our Futures, the study conducted on behalf of the National Women's Council of Ireland and supported by his Department; and if he has considered a process to be put in place to implement the recommendations of the report. [20277/98]

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform (Mr. O'Donoghue)

My Department provided £23,000 to the National Women's Council of Ireland towards funding for their child care report entitled, "Caring for All Our Futures". I welcome the report which concerns the important issue of child care. Copies of it have been circulated to members of the expert working group on child care for their information.

The expert working group on child care which is chaired by my Department was established in July 1997 to devise a national framework for the development of quality child care services in Ireland which involves considering the following issues: financial and employment implications of a national framework; registration, training and qualifications; resourcing and sustaining child care within urban disadvantaged areas; resourcing and sustaining child care within rural areas; needs and rights of children; equality of access and participation; early childhood education, and regulations and standards.

Members have also considered the appropriate structures and mechanisms necessary to implement a national framework. The group intends to finalise a report of recommendations by December 1998.