Emer Currie (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. I am aware of that review and I am glad it is happening. There is a reason I am pitching this to him. I pointed out why the guidelines are not delivering and that they are not working. In the same way we do with social housing, we need to take a Part V approach when it comes to childcare.

A childcare facility should be mandatory in a new development and in an area that needs childcare. It should be agreed before commencement. During the preplanning stage, childcare facilities similar to approved housing bodies could express their interest and work with local authorities and developers on the type of childcare facility that is required in that area. If private suppliers are not available to do it, and the Minister said there will be a future dedicated agency for childcare, the State should step in and acquire and run those facilities as community childcare with the assistance of the committees on the ground. That would bridge the gap we have between planning and provision. The local authorities are up for this. They do not want to battle with builders to do this. The Part V approach would close that gap.