Government statements on childcare bear little resemblance to reality. Despite claims that costs have been reduced by upwards of 50%, survey data last year illustrated that parents in some counties are still paying upwards of €1,100 per month. Despite Fine Gael having campaigned on introducing a public model of childcare, in the programme for Government it is silent. Allusions to reducing childcare costs to €200 per month by some unstated and unknown date are without any meaning or worth. For many families, childcare remains akin to a second mortgage at a time when many are struggling to cover household costs, to make ends meet in terms of utility bills and to put food on the table. Will the Minister please outline to the House the timeframe by which the Government will deliver the promises it campaigned on?

I know the cost of childcare is still very high for many, but I also meet many people who acknowledge the reduction that has happened in childcare fees under the last Government, a reduction that we want to continue to deliver in the time ahead. However, as is the case with all of these commitments, they are dealt with budget by budget. I know the Minister for children will be raising this issue as the budget approaches in October, and we will be aiming to make progress on it. It is something we want to continue to make progress on. We know there is a need for it. Progress has happened. What will then happen is the Minister for children, with the Minister for public expenditure, will look at what further measures can be put in place next year. We are well aware that this is something families want to see progress on.