Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 March 2004
429 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he will seek the introduction, as a matter of urgency, of legislation to compel all large companies and State bodies to provide free or subsidised child care facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9615/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, my Department is developing child care provision under the national development plan through the provision of over €437 million, from Government and EU sources, for child care under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000 — 2006, EOCP. To date we have allocated over €250 million which will lead to the creation of over 28,000 new child care places. This support is increasing the availability of child care places nationwide by at least 50%.
Current Government policy on child care is based on the wide-ranging and detailed recommendations contained in the Partnership 2000 expert working group report on child care. I do not have ministerial responsibility for legislation governing child care facilities nor is it feasible to compel any organisation to provide a specific service such as child care. It is open to employers to seek capital grant assistance under the EOCP towards the provision of child care facilities, while I understand that they may also avail of tax advantages in certain circumstances.
