1. Childcare Legislation in the Netherlands Philosophical and ethical questions ? On what ideas or evidence is the childcare legislation based? ? Who are the beneficiaries? ? What are the unstated and unintended consequences?

2. Childcare Legislation in the Netherlands Policy evaluation questions ? In a heavily regulated sector, such as childcare, will the opportunity to make profit through efficient practices be limited? ? Will for-profit providers emphasise minimum compliance with regulations as one means of securing profits? ? Will for-profit providers focus on high income and more urban markets at the cost of poorer and more remote areas? ? Will for-profit providers provide the same quality of services at the same prices?

3. Childcare Legislation in the Netherlands Practical questions ? Will the Dutch Government be able to meet its 65% target of women’s participation in the employment market by 2011? ? Will the Government be prepared to increase its annual childcare budget substantially to meet such a target? ? Will employers favour those without childcare needs given that employers will have to make a contribution towards childcare costs? ? Will for-profit and not-for-profit providers be able to increase capacity to meet the increased demand? ? Will choice be limited in poorer and more remote areas? ? Can quality and equity be achieved?