Populate or perish: PM unveils new family initiative

The package is worth zl.17.5 billion over the next 7 years and includes universal access to childcare, longer maternity leave and child tax credits of zl.200 per child initially, rising to zl.500 by 2013.Although the document has been ready for some time, the Prime Minister waited for a green light from finance minister Zyta Gilowska to announce it publicly. It will now go to consultation with NGOs and employers.(Rzeczpospolita, p. A3; Gazeta Wyborcza, p. 6) R.M.