Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the Minister's response. He has acknowledged that the 9% vacancy rate in Cork city is lower than in other places. Much of that vacancy could relate to particular early childhood care and education, ECCE, sessions. It does not necessarily reflect the fact that there are no full-time places and the impact of that. This issue comes up a lot with employers as well as with parents. Returning to work after having a child is extremely difficult. It is difficult to sustain in the workplace as well.

My question specifically asks about the specific actions the Government is going to take for Cork. I know the model we have was inherited by the Minister. However, there is an element to which that model means the Government can have influence but is a little passive. It is not like the Department of Education, which can intervene directly, albeit not to the extent it should be able to. We need to be looking at that and considering ways in which we can directly intervene in locations where there is a shortage.

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