Aidan Farrelly (Kildare North, Social Democrats)

I look forward to supporting the campaign of Deputy Catherine Connolly, who did get the required signatures.

I have spoken to many parents in Kildare about a lack of childcare facilities. I have a question. In many new housing developments in Kildare, we are seeing empty-shell units of childcare facilities. It is no problem if the Minister does not have an answer now because I can follow up later. However, what are the Government's intentions in this regard? If and when a private unit is left empty for a significant period, whether that is 12 or 18 months, and it is not going to be a financially feasible private enterprise, how is the Government going to intervene to roll out its programme for Government commitments regarding a public model of childcare?

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