Pauline Tully (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I will talk about my county of Cavan but I am sure it is reflective of what is happening elsewhere. The Cavan childcare committee as well as a number of providers have reported a crisis with the provision of childcare, particularly for children aged under two years. Many of the baby rooms are closing because the ratio is three children to one childcare professional. Providers are taking the decision that they would be better off having a larger number of older children needing just one childcare provider.

Providers have also highlighted the lack of capital funding to provide new facilities. They feel it is not in place now. I welcome the Minister's statement that €70 million is coming on stream because they have noticed a lack of capital funding which they need. There is also a need for the community provision of childcare services. For example, Cavan town has no community childcare service. There are several private services but the provision is insufficient even with the private services. One small community facility is coming on stream but it will be quite small.

Another provider has told me she has a waiting list of 188 children with 21 of them under one year of age and she will not be able to cope. Parents are bringing their child to the committee in tears because they cannot return to work after maternity leave as there is no childcare provision for them and they cannot afford to take extra unpaid leave.

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