Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is very helpful for me to hear the Deputy's commentary concerning the Mountbellew childcare centre, particularly the way in which he describes the quality of provision for the children and the incredible commitment of the providers, the staff and the professionals. It is so important for us and for me as Minister that they stay there and continue to do that work. I know it can be challenging at times. We are working to ensure that their terms and conditions can improve with the investment as well as directing capital investment to create additional spaces.

As the Deputy can appreciate, calculating of the number of places required and allocating money for the necessary investment is not an accurate science. However, as I tried to describe in my response, we are trying to learn from all the stakeholders involved, especially local communities. We use a very special type of science called the geosparcity index, also utilised by Pobal, to get a sense of where the gaps in capacity are. The Deputy has raised, in such a clear, articulate and passionate way on the floor of the House, the issues facing this centre. This helps us to be aware not only of that centre but also of potential capacity issues in the wider area he refers to. I am very grateful that the Deputy did this today.

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