Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for her response. The last day we discussed this issue during Oral Questions the Minister of State used a phrase indicating it was her absolute priority to get enough moneys for capital provision to increase childcare infrastructure. I support fully that strong commitment. I appeal to the Minister of State to ensure there is a strand within the capital budget of the childcare provision grants to enable community childcare providers, in areas where there is a huge demand for accommodation for such facilities and no private providers in the catchment area, to continue the excellent work being done in those facilities. I refer to ensuring that no child is denied the opportunity to access a childcare facility.

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