PDs promise to tackle childcare before election

The Progressive Democrats said today that childcare is high on their agenda between now and the next General Election.

Deputy Liz O'Donnell claims her party realises that times have changed for young parents.

Ms O'Donnell said: “Many young people are traveling very long distances and do not, therefore, have the support systems that many of us would have availed of in the past in terms of proximity to family, and family members who will support and help in childcare arrangements.

“We have to look at this problem and build in flexible approaches and responses to a very great diversity of need.”

The government partners are holding their Annual Conference in Blarney, Co Cork today, and are also discussing civil unions for same sex couples.

Speaking last night, party leader Mary Harney asked Sinn Féin and the IRA to heed to the public's calls for peace.

The Tánaiste will deliver her keynote address at 8.30pm tonight.

Meanwhile, plans to decentralise 10,000 civil servants have moved a step closer this weekend, as Minister of State, Tom Parlon, confirmed that sites for the construction of new public buildings have been secured in 12 locations.