Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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297. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of capital projects that cost €100 million or more in the past five years; the cost of outside consultants for each of the projects costing €100 million or more; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42862/19]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I can confirm that my Department has not incurred any costs in excess of €100 million in respect of capital projects over the past five years.

Barry Cowen (Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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298. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of capital projects anticipated to commence in the next five years that cost €100 million or more; the expected cost of external consultants for each project; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42878/19]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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There will be a significant requirement for early learning and care capital investment over the next number of years. This is currently recognised in the National Planning Framework (NPF) and the National Development Plan (NDP) 2018-2027.

The NPF highlights the contribution of early childhood care and education to the important role of childcare provision in terms of underpinning future patterns of labour force participation. The Government's commitment to this is demonstrated by the commitment of €250 million of resources under the NDP over the period to 2027. It is too early at this stage to identify any associated consultancy costs as planning is still at very early stages.