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city development plan proposals, further residential zoning is earmarked. Recently, the Minister, Deputy Foley, announced €135 million for State-led early learning and childcare services. It is a very welcome scheme and, in time, will prove to be a landmark announcement if we build upon it. I stand … decade, it has seen significant growth and, with recent zoning, the population is forecast to double in the next ten years, yet its childcare infrastructure has not kept pace. In Glanmire, I can count at least four premises that were designated for childcare services that were never delivered

lack of proper infrastructure across rural communities is becoming a major barrier to creating strong and diverse rural communities, particularly in transport, childcare and schools, as we mentioned in our submission. As TD for Kildare South, I have been frequently highlighting the carparks that Ireland's motorways have … have to use the opportunity to tell the Minister about the many people who have been in contact with my office about the childcare crisis across Kildare and areas that are becoming childcare deserts, like Kilcullen, Newbridge and Kildare town. A lack of available childcare places

Along with the national childcare scheme, the commitment to a public childcare model is also important. That is why building blocks phase 1 was important. I welcomed the fact the Minister came to our nursery in Ballymun and saw at first hand the work being done … balancing act between childcare workers, providers and parents, I am concerned that the €45 million that was set aside last year is still the subject of some negotiation. I would like to see, as quickly as possible, that money landing in the pockets of childcare workers because

efforts of judges, courts officials, and legal representatives, be very challenging for those involved; — family law proceedings concerning child custody, access, guardianship and childcare matters allow attendance and reporting from specified persons under statutory provisions, including Section 40 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, provided that … permitting attendance and reporting by accredited journalists and legal bloggers. I remind him that family law proceedings concerning child custody, access, guardianship and childcare matters allow attendance and reporting from specified persons under statutory provisions, such as section 40 of the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, provided

policy must reflect that diversity. Policy must be also rooted in everyday experience: whether people can get to work, college or hospital; access childcare or a GP; rent or buy a home; get broadband or remain in their community as they age. Transport is one of the clearest … Gaeltacht communities. The Irish language cannot be sustained by rhetoric alone. It needs living communities behind it, affordable homes for young families, schools, childcare, transport, healthcare, digital infrastructure, local employment and cultural spaces. We cannot celebrate the Gaeltacht as part of our national identity while allowing housing pressures

acknowledge the role of the city and county childcare committees. We are indebted to them for their expertise and the manner in which they provide engagement on the ground with local providers, both private and community. I give them a shout-out because we have 50 engagements taking … early years education. Those on-the-ground consultations are very important and, as I said, they are being facilitated by early learning and childcare committees. On the consultation, we have already had over 11,000 engagements online. There is, therefore, phenomenal interest in the whole area of early

upper limit of €200 per month over the lifetime of the Government. However, this objective cannot be achieved through the national childcare scheme alone. The fee freeze and maximum fee caps required for core funding have been key to the progress in recent years in making early learning … care and school-age childcare services more affordable. The phase 1 report of Shaping the Future sets out actions that will be carried out in 2026 using existing policy tools. The 2026 actions on affordability will include further reductions in some of the highest fees paid by parents

Dáil Éireann with the introduction of the Valuation (Amendment) Bill 2026. This legislation is about fairness, clarity and, most importantly, protecting small childcare providers throughout the country. Many, including in County Cork, have recently been hit with unexpected and deeply concerning commercial rate bills. At a time when … childcare services are under real pressure, the last thing providers need is an additional financial burden that could threaten their very survival. Rising costs, staffing challenges and regulatory demands are all already placing strain on providers. To then be faced with commercial rate bills, often without warning

raising childcare again today. There are not enough places and we have poorly planned spaces. Dublin West is peppered with either unused crèche buildings or sites where crèches were supposed to be built but were not. I know this is happening in other parts of the country … left empty for years. We also have sites where crèches have not been built even though the developments are complete. During a childcare crisis, we cannot have childcare places going to waste. We must have a planning system that prioritises and designs for childcare

first time the State is moving beyond funding alone and directly supporting the creation of childcare places. Under the early learning and childcare capital programme, up to eight facilities will be delivered this year, providing about 800 additional places, focusing on under threes as well as rural … disadvantaged areas. There are very significant planning frameworks governing the development of childcare more generally. Budget 2026 marked the highest ever level of State investment. It is now at €1.5 billion, which is a 12% year-on-year increase but there are still significant issues. There is significant

best. Unfortunately, she cannot be here tonight, and I am here in her place. Improving access to quality and affordable early learning and childcare remains a key priority for the Government. Based on the data available from the annual early years sector profile, the estimated number of enrolments … achieve the policy goals set out in the programme for Government to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible early childhood learning and childcare system, with State-led facilities adding capacity. The model quantifies the nature and volume of different types of early learning and childcare places across

last couple of weeks, an announcement was made to close one of the naíonraí, which is one of the only language provision childcare facilities that we have. Many of those parents have to go to Mayfield and other parts of the city to avail of childcare. That discommodes … centre across the city, it is often difficult to make the journey. In one fell swoop, we can secure 100 to 150 childcare places, which would be a massive boost for an area where primarily young, working families are situated. The building owner is on board and Cork

many instances over the years process won out over delivery with regard to the capital programmes for different Departments. I refer to the childcare sector in particular. With the Minister's approval, the Minister, Deputy Foley, recently introduced the building blocks grant scheme towards the provision … childcare places and the upgrading of existing facilities. That is a very worthwhile programme. The Minister, Deputy Foley, recently visited my constituency, where she met some of the providers who have availed of the building blocks grant scheme and others who urgently need to increase capacity

that Government. Even in more difficult economic times, the then Minister of State, Barry Andrews, introduced an important initiative on the affordability of childcare, which has been built on in recent years. That was a central part of the work undertaken with the Minister, Deputy Foley, as part … million allocated to the Department of children is aimed at enabling the Minister to do more in the context of capital investment in childcare. There is a need to work with childcare and education settings. In light of the demographic shift that is happening in Ireland

this stage. Is the process closed for expressions of interest? When the Minister suggests that some projects are from existing suppliers of childcare and others are for properties only, does she have a breakdown of those? With regard to State-led services, is the State proposing to take … over existing childcare providers in a State-led childcare service or will it be through co-operation between those existing providers and the State? I stress the problems that I am made aware of on a daily basis in County Kildare. The Minister will be aware that

very suitable scheme for many who wish to extend their premises. I also acknowledge the role of local city and county childcare committees. There is a consultation process under way on wider early years and learning in terms of the conversation on education. Great work is being done … local city and county childcare committees, and those who are willing to put forward their buildings, thoughts or ideas must first go through the city and county childcare committees and I want to make this clear

while that makes me feel old, it is remarkable to see the investment we have made in childcare over the period. We paid nearly €1,500 per month with no subsidy of any sort from the Government. As the Minister said, the national childcare scheme supports families. However … positive things will come out of delivering it. It is important. On the issue, there is always a tension between the provider, the childcare worker and the parent and the needs of all three. While we have to balance that, I return to the point that we made

lifelong employment prospects. Something that is not right is a legal interpretation of valuation law that could shut down ECCE services. ECCE-only childcare services have traditionally been exempt from commercial rates on the basis they are an educational service, which they are. These are preschool services receiving … will lead to ECCE services shutting down. The contradiction is stark. One arm of government is getting it right and funding ECCE and childcare, and wants to expand services, while another arm of the State is taking action that could do the opposite. Ultimately this seems

further in her questions to begin to explore what the solutions look like and how can we constructively engage across political backgrounds. On childcare, we have recognised as a Government that relying entirely on the market is not a viable option. It is not going to work. That … have now taken a decision and already an allocation for the very first time to have publicly-funded childcare facilities in terms of a call. That needs to be the start. On the big issue around how we reduce the cost of childcare, we are fully committed

Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she has identified sites for the Government’s pilot for public childcare facilities, and if she has considered Kildare South, given the urgent lack of childcare places available. [28589/26

Minister identified sites for the Government's pilot for public childcare facilities? Has she considered Kildare South given the urgent need and lack of childcare facilities in that part of the county

will be aware that we recently announced €135 million in capital investment in buildings for high-quality accessible State-led early learning and childcare. The process begins this year, as he said, with investment in buildings in what will be a groundbreaking initiative for the Government. Capital funding … whatever might be more appropriate to the application that has been received. Some projects have been proposed by an existing early learning and childcare service provider while others relate to a building or property only and a separate process to identify an operator will be required. Included

three is for this area. I have raised with the Minister previously the issue whereby upwards of 100 children are without a childcare service in that town. This is replicated throughout Kildare South where the population has increased. We have a very young population. Parents get up very … early in the morning to travel 30 km or 40 km to avail of childcare services in other towns. Some of them travel into Dublin to avail of services. This cannot continue. This is a great opportunity for the Government to look at areas such as Kildare

phase of the building scheme. It is a €10 million capital funding scheme to deliver a significant number of additional early learning and childcare places. The scheme is being funded under the updated national development plan. The purpose of the building blocks scheme is to deliver additional capacity … sector by supporting existing early learning and childcare services to undertake physical extensions to existing premises. The scheme will be open to community and private services that are signed up to the core funding scheme and commit to continuing in the scheme and adhering to its conditions, particularly

thank the Minister. That is positive information and it is a positive scheme. I have had many inquiries over the last while from childcare providers in my area, both private and community-run, as to when it would be announced. It is important that it is for private … workforce if they wish to do so. This is a good scheme for achieving that. The scheme for State-led provision of childcare the Minister is working on will be hugely positive and beneficial

Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her attention has been drawn to a childcare provider (details supplied) who have recently announced that they will be withdrawing from the core funding scheme; if her Department have been in touch with the childcare … provider; if she will consider meeting with the childcare provider to discuss alternative arrangements; to outline what steps she will take to expand childcare provision in Dublin 13; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25638/26

Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if consideration can be given that, when a childcare worker has received Garda vetting within the valid three-year period, that vetting can be transferred to a new childcare service; if the childcare worker moves

Children, Disability and Equality if she will engage with the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration on a proposal that, when a childcare worker has received Garda vetting within the valid three-year period, that vetting can be transferred to a new childcare service if the childcare

Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will examine the dependence on for-profit provision of childcare in delivering childcare; if she will take steps to increase publicly provided childcare on a non-profit basis; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the number of persons subscribed to the childcare plus, childcare save, national solidarity bonds, savings certificates scheme and saving bonds; and the amount held on deposit in respect of each scheme in 2026. [31753/26

Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current status of childcare facilities which are providing childcare under the ECCE scheme, who are now required to pay commercial rates to their relevant local authority; if her Department has had any engagement with local authorities

asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the specific measures that are being taken, or are planned, to address the shortage of childcare places for children under two years of age in Galway city, including whether the city is being prioritised under State-led or publicly supported … early learning and childcare provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30968/26

Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she has identified sites for the Government’s pilot for public childcare facilities, and if she has considered Kildare South, given the urgent lack of childcare places available. [28589/26

Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the progress to reduce the cost of childcare to €200 per month per child through the national childcare scheme, as set out in the programme for Government; and if she will make a statement on the matter

Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if amendments to the national childcare scheme subsidy are being considered to allow parents flexibility in collecting children from childcare settings. [29152/26

Gorman asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the progress made on the Programme for Government commitment to "review the 2001 Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning Authorities to ensure childcare spaces are provided and put into use"; and if she will make a statement on the matter

Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the review of the 2001 planning guidelines for local authorities on early learning and childcare settings, in order to increase childcare supply; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29074/26

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding developments towards reaching the commitment to reducing childcare costs to €200 per child, per month, in the context of a number of childcare providers pulling out of the core funding scheme

Housing, Local Government and Heritage for an update on the review of the 2001 planning guidelines for local authorities on early learning and childcare settings, in order to increase childcare supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26325/26

Cathy Bennett asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the plans her Department has in place to ensure staff retention within the childcare sector; the plans to increase staff numbers within the childcare sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24784/26

Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department is supporting Pobal and the Childcare Committee to source suitable alternative places for children in County Donegal affected by the closure of a childcare service (details supplied); and if she will make a statement

Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason an 'underattendance exemption' under the national childcare scheme does not apply to a child (details supplied); if she can confirm whether an 'underattendance exemption' will apply where the HSE have recommended that a child … with autism attend an Early Intervention Class during the morning time, and their childcare provider in the afternoon; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25783/26

reason a child (details supplied) was denied an under attendance exemption to allow them continue to attend a creche under the national childcare scheme in the afternoons after completing early intervention appointments for non-verbal autism in the mornings; if she accepts that the failure to approve this … under attendance exemption leaves this child's family in a position where they must choose between early intervention and childcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25876/26

support low-income households in rural constituencies such as Galway east in light of ongoing cost-of-living pressures, including fuel, transport and childcare costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31111/26

Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if his Department is engaging with local authorities with a view to giving rates relief to childcare facilities given these facilitates are now being required to pay commercial rates even though they are providing an essential service to the community

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding payments under the national childcare scheme; if there is any flexibility in terms of back payments for parents that missed a registration deadline or registered late for any reason; and if she will make

April 2026, the quarter of 2026 in which decisions will be made on the specific projects agreed upon under the early learning and childcare capital programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29674/26

Disability and Equality the actual full year cost incurred in 2025 arising from the increase in the universal hourly subsidy under the national childcare scheme from €1.40 to €2.14; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30458/26

Children, Disability and Equality the estimated full year cost, based on current numbers, of increasing the universal hourly subsidy under the national childcare scheme by €1, bringing it to €3.14 per hour for a maximum of 45 hours per week; and if she will make a statement

Children, Disability and Equality the estimated full year cost, based on current numbers, of increasing the universal hourly subsidy under the national childcare scheme by €2, bringing it to €4.14 per hour for a maximum of 45 hours per week; and if she will make a statement