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

It is impossible to find a childcare place at the moment in Cork city and county, even if one has the money to spend what is effectively a second mortgage. Current figures released to Mr. Peter Horgan, which are reported in The Echotoday, show that some 130 children were affected by the closure of 30 after-school facilities last year.

That is just after-school care. Add to that countless more in the preschool category that have closed, including crèches. I know of one in particular in Grange which is affecting a lot of parents. There is a particular crisis in Cork although it is an issue everywhere. It is high time the State took a more direct role in increasing capacity and addressing the sustainability of the sector. What is the Taoiseach's intention to ensure greater capacity is created in the Cork area for early years services? It is preventing many people from going back to work or going to work. It deprives other children of a quality early years education.

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