Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

The chief way we are supporting the industry is through core funding, the massive investment of €221 million across a full year, which is designed to support capacity. The Deputy has highlighted that capacity is missing in certain areas. The funding is designed in ways to recognise that there are gaps, particularly for younger children under the age of one. Where a service provides a baby room for children under one years of age, there is additional financial support recognising the extra staffing needs of a service like this.

I responded to Deputy Dillon earlier on the provision of additional capacity. Some €70 million is provided in the national development plan. Next year, we will put out a call for the modernisation and extension of existing services. The following year, we will put out a capital call for new services. We are also aware of how the planning system may be used in the obligation to provide services where large developments are undertaken. I had a very useful meeting with a range of city and county planners on Monday to see how my Department can work with the Department with responsibility for housing to revise planning guidelines.

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