I suppose there has been a focus in Ireland on child care as a workforce activation measure as opposed to a more holistic view of child care in terms of what is in the best interests of the child. A recent development here has been the establishment of an office for the Minister for Children, with responsibility for looking at that, and it's brought together different policy areas--including health, education, and some elements of justice--to look at that issue.
On June 12th, 2008. See this statement in context.