Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy very much. The capital grants are a key part of our ability to expand capacity. It is important to note that the core funding we have introduced is also being used to expand capacity. We have added money in each of the two years since it was initially introduced to allow for a growth in capacity. Many services are actually expanding capacity as a result of the extra funding that has been provided.

On a final point, and it is one we have spoken about, there will be a significant amount of housing built over the coming years under Housing for All. There are requirements to provide childcare facilities when a certain number of houses are delivered. We know that those services and buildings are not always delivered or are not always designed appropriately. My Department is working with the Department of housing and local authorities to ensure how we can better achieve the delivery of those early learning and care facilities which will be so important to new communities all over the country.

See this speech in context