There was a commitment in the programme for Government to introduce child care legislation and to prioritise child care services and the inspection of such services. I want the Taoiseach to indicate to me when the Children First legislation will be published, given that the HSE has confirmed that funding for childminding officers is no longer in place in most areas. This is a service that was created ten years ago with 30 staff.

We read reports recently about senior advice to the Government not to increase the pupil-teacher ratio in early child care settings and not to cut back on allowances to child care providers. In light of the disturbing revelations on crèches and child care, it is extremely important the legislation is accelerated. I ask the Taoiseach for the timeframe for the Children First legislation and the child and family agency legislation. Perhaps the Taoiseach can provide a timeframe for the introduction and delivery of legislative proposals.

Work on the child and family agency legislation has progressed well and it is expected to be taken this session. The child care Bill, Children First, is also listed for this session but the committee produced a 700-page report which must be taken into consideration by the Minister in the preparation of the legislation. It was a detailed, comprehensive and extensive report. The legislation is listed for this session and I hope it can make it through but there is a great deal of work involved in the consideration of the committee's report.