asked the Minister for the Public Service if the Government will consider the provision of a creche or other child care facilities in Leinster House in order to facilitate Members and employees of the Houses of the Oireachtas who are working parents.

: Any question of providing child care facilities for Members and employees of the Houses of the Oireachtas would have to be considered in the context of the outcome of the recommendations contained in the recently published Report of the Working Party on Child Care Facilities for working parents set up by the Minister for Labour.

: Should the legislators not be giving a good example to commercial enterprises by taking the initiative in this matter?

: At the moment the report is being considered. This will involve discussions with interested parties but I cannot say at this stage when that process is likely to be completed. I would point out also that the Committee on Procedure and Privileges would have an input in relation to the final decision on the report.

: In view of the unusual sitting hours of the House which affect both Members and staff, is there not a special need for this kind of facility here?

: The Deputy is aware that a report on this matter is being considered and that therefore anything I might say might pre-empt a decision on that report. I am aware of the problems but we must await the outcome of the discussions that are in progress.

: How soon may we expect action to be taken?

: Discussions are taking place but I am not in a position to say what the likely time span may be.

: Who are the parties who are involved in these discussions?

: The Public Service and other people would be involved with the Committee on Procedure and Privileges having a say eventually in relation to facilities in this House.

: Has any decision been taken on the financing of the facilities?

: No.

: Is the matter being discussed by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges?

: They will become involved at a later stage.

: At the next meeting?

: I do not know.

: How soon does the Minister expect the discussions to be completed and action taken?

: I cannot say.

: Might it be ten years?

: I hope not.