David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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839. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she has received a funding request from a naíonra (details supplied) to develop a new building and to address outstanding safety concerns and double their capacity; if she will grant funding to the naíonra; if not, the reason why; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39555/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Ensuring access to early learning and childcare is a key priority of Government.

Capital funding has been made available to my Department under the National Development Plan.

In 2025, €25m has been made available to deliver additional capacity under the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme. The scheme is focused on supporting the creation of additional full day care places for children aged 1-3 through extensions to existing buildings or, in the case of not-for-profit community services, construction or purchase of buildings. I am advised that the service in question did not apply under the Building Blocks Extension Scheme.

The approach to capital investment in future years is being considered within the context of the Programme for Government commitments and the revision to the National Development Plan which is ongoing. The focus will be on the types of provision and the areas where there are the greatest capacity deficits.

In the case that the Deputy refers to, I understand Waterford County Childcare Committee has been working with the service to provide them with support and identify opportunities to meet their particular circumstances.

Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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840. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality in light of the fact that an organisation (details supplied) which provides full time residential care accommodation for 200 people while meeting the respite needs of up to 100 other people with disabilities continues to be funded on an ad hoc basis, if she plans to address this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39596/25]

Hildegarde Naughton (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.