Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance) | Oireachtas source

It would be lovely to hear the exact figures for the number of places that the Minister plans to increase by. It sounds like he has a plan, but to me and to all childminding organisations, it is complex and cumbersome. The Minister will be aware that in the Dublin area, almost 60% of providers have reported that they have severe waiting lists for childcare places. After housing, it is probably borne out statistically that this is one of the biggest political issues for most people who have children. Often both parents have to work to afford childcare. However, if they cannot get a place, they cannot keep the work and if they cannot keep the work, their rent or mortgage and God knows what else is impacted.

In my constituency, Dublin South Central, parents regularly call me and write to me begging for help. I often get on the blower to try to get places for them with no success. How will we address this problem?

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