Firstly, the Minister has not given a clear answer as to whether or not he will set a final date for the receipt of submissions so that some work can be done on the report and some decisions made. Could he also indicate if his Department have considered implementing regulations governing existing child care facilities which are privately run and which are not controlled in any way in relation to hygiene, safety and so forth? Would he give an indication that this is being dealt with in any kind of urgent manner?

To deal with the second part of the Deputy's question, the control of existing facilities would primarily be a matter for the Department of Health. I understand that the Deputy has put a question down for the Minister for Health who will be replying later from the Order Paper. In regard to the question of fixing at this stage a closing date, I am quite prepared to consider that and to write to the Deputy on the matter in the very near future.