James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I can understand that the Deputy would want to spend some time on this because it is a very important area. I am very pleased we have a solid framework for the future investment in child care, following the interdepartmental group report which consulted widely with the sector, including by having an open day for the sector and online consultations for both the sector and for parents. This was widely consulted on and is all the better for that.

Of course, choices have to be made and there has to be a balance. Therefore, on the one hand, there were concerns in the sector about having sufficient capacity for a full second year and, on the other, some people would want it to start sooner. Starting in September of next year allows for capacity to build up. I remind the House that, even today, in the region of 10,000 places are not availed of within the scheme. I believe there will be greater uptake as the economy continues to recover and more people wish to return to work.

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