Emer Higgins (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The 25% reduction in childcare fees has been very much welcomed by parents. However, the increase in demand for childcare in my constituency of Dublin Mid-West has not been met by a corresponding increase in available childcare places. In fact, an early childhood care and education service in Lucan is currently facing an accommodation crisis in September. If it has to reduce its service, it would be a disaster for the community and would further exacerbate the shortage of childcare places locally.

New crèches in new developments always seem to be the last thing built. We have a situation where childcare facilities are promised by developers, approved by local authorities and needed by parents, but still do not exist in places such as Adamstown, Newcastle and Rathcoole. The Government has shown a commitment to reduce the cost of childcare. What commitment can the Minister provide that we will be able to increase the supply of childcare for families that really need it?

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