Catherine Ardagh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Today, I wish to raise two issues. First, I seek a meaningful debate on the St. Michael's House rejuvenation project. This is not just any development; it is one of the State's flagship cost-rental developments. At this stage we do not have a meaningful update from the Minister on where exactly we are with the project in terms of the budget envisaged and the timeframes. I would like the development to be treated with more urgency. It is a huge vacant site in the middle of Inchicore. Traditionally, it housed hundreds of families and we want to make sure that the site is brought back to life and housing families from the area on a cost-rental basis. Perhaps the Acting Leader could invite the Minister to the House for a specific debate on the rejuvenation of St. Michael's House because it is such a significant flagship development for the State.

The second issue I wish to raise today relates to childcare. The budget for 2022 went some way towards extending childcare and laying the foundations for a better childcare system. I mentioned this previously. We are all singing off the same hymn sheet as a House. This is something you could get involved in, a Chathaoirligh, in that the Seanad could champion childcare properly. Early preschool childcare must be brought into the primary school system and curriculum. We will not have a decent childcare system until that happens. If it was brought into the education system, I understand that private providers might not be happy, but there are ways to merge it. That would give workers proper career progression and it would give families and, ultimately, women proper autonomy to flourish in their careers. It would also give them stability. The current haphazard childcare is just not working for families and it would be better if it was brought within the ambit of the State. Many Gaelscoileanna have a naíonra on site. They are a little bit ahead of other types of school. It should be the norm for all national schools to have a preschool on site for families and parents.