Ivana Bacik (Dublin Bay South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Last week I raised the issue of childcare in this House, and Labour Party Senators put down a motion calling for universal access to childcare and for the Government to ensure that every child will have an early years place. We were disappointed that the Government put down a counter-motion in the Seanad. However, among other things, the Government counter-motion called for a transition to a universal public childcare system. That is very welcome. We know that it is sorely needed by many parents and families across the country. The Citizens' Assembly on Gender Equality has also called for it. Indeed, the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Gender Equality will be publishing its report on that tomorrow. The real problem remains a lack of spaces in childcare facilities. Constituents tell me every week about their difficulties in seeking to access a place in an early years setting. People in my own constituency cannot even get onto waiting lists for crèches in the area because there are so few spaces. What is the Government going to do to address the issue of the shortage of places in childcare settings around the country?

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