WORK will start shortly on the long awaited creche in Leinster House. Plans have been drawn up by the Office of Public Works and the new childcare facility for TDs, senators and staff of the Dail and Seanad is expected to be ready at the end of the summer recess.
This was announced yesterday by Ms Mary Wallace (FF), the chairwoman of the Joint Oireachtas Women's Committee, when she introduced its annual report. This committee kept up sustained pressure over several years. The drive to bring the Government into line on childcare with other employers was helped considerably in recent years by the record numbers of women TDs (22) and senators (eight).
The creche will be sited at the Merrion Street entrance to Leinster House and will comprise a "family room" for older children as well as a nursery for very young babies.
Ms Wallace said she was pleased the committee had achieved its aim for the Government "to show example to employers generally of the need for family facilities in the workplace".