Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Again, I thank the Deputy. He is 100% correct. There is an issue around capacity and the Government recognises that. It is for that reason that the Government has committed to doing a root-and-branch discovery around the country to determine where there are areas of maximum need and where is under-provided for. The new forward planning and delivery unit will be very important in that respect. Early and initial scoping exercises have taken place. This is an absolutely new departure. It has never been done before that the State will intervene and build or purchase State-owned early learning childcare facilities. It is important to gather the views of parents. Regarding the poll, it is my understanding that the poll was conducted in February. It is presently being analysed and we should have the results by the end of March or early April. Again, it will inform the trajectory of the journey.

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