Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is encouraging to hear. As Deputy Bríd Smith said earlier as well, the Minister must be commended for the work he is doing, especially on childcare services. There are still issues and choke points, particularly in urban areas, as well as capacity issues. I am the father of three children. I am facing my first bill for childcare in September. Childcare is still quite expensive and difficult to get in some places, particularly in urban areas. Our population is growing and more and more people are going back to work, which is great, but also increasing is the pressure on existing childcare capacity. Obviously, this is an issue that affects women in particular and we need to do all we can to ensure that many women across the country do not face the difficult decision of choosing between going back to work or staying at home and, inevitably, minding children. We must do all we can in continuing to provide the supports the Minister has outlined to ensure that women do not face that decision.

I understand that a significant announcement might be due in the budget. I know the Minister cannot speak to it today, but judging from comments made by him, the Tánaiste and the Taoiseach in recent weeks, that development will greatly help the childcare service. I ask the Minister to address issues regarding capacity in urban areas and how we are going to deal with that.

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