Louise O'Reilly (Dublin Fingal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I see that Daz and Surf are at it again, a Cheann Comhairle. My question is in respect of the programme for Government commitment to alleviate pressures affecting household budgets in the area of childcare. I note the launch of the new national childcare scheme this week and the concerns that many vulnerable babies and children will miss out due to gaps in funding. My constituency of Dublin Fingal is the fastest growing area in the State and has the youngest population. Despite this, it faces an ongoing crisis in childcare provision and the reality that the Government has failed to get to grips with it. There are not enough places in Fingal. Many crèches will not take babies until they are a year old, which is impacting on women's ability to return to work. Having secured a place, families then face the equivalent of a second mortgage or second rent in fees. All the while, staff in the early years sector face low wages and job insecurity. The current system is broken. It is unsustainable for staff and financially crippling for many parents.

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