James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

I again thank Deputy Currie for raising the important matter of childcare facilities. I agree that it is timely and in accordance with the programme for Government that we update the planning guidelines. As I said, we will work with the Department of children. Ultimately, it is the Department of children that will work out the policy on this area. The national planning statements will form an important part of planning for almost every Department across government. As I said, we stand willing and ready to give technical advice on what is necessary for those statements. Those relating to childcare facilities need to be updated. Having empty facilities is totally unacceptable. There is no question that there have been too many instances where developers have technically put a facility in place, but have made it far too difficult or cumbersome for it to be used for its intended purpose. It is something of which I am very much aware.

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