Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. This matter relates to the cost of child care, which we discussed in our discussion on today's first Priority Question. This is a State cost on child care. In reply to a written parliamentary question, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Hogan, stated: "With regard to the application of rates to childcare facilities, local authorities levy rates on commercial establishments. Where child care provision is within a community facility, operating in a non-profit capacity, commercial rates do not generally apply." This approach is not consistent throughout the country. In my constituency, the local authority does not charge community child care facilities, but I have been contacted by a number of facilities the length and breadth of the country that are being charged commercial rates.

Will the Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, at least undertake to discuss this matter further with the relevant Ministers? This cost places an additional burden on child care provision, yet is under the State's remit. The approach should be consistent throughout the country. Community child care facilities, which are not-for-profit organisations, should not have State charges applied to them.

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