Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. As he knows, there have been specific challenges in place in Cork in recent weeks. The city childcare committee has been very engaged. I know of at least two services where the current owners have indicated they are closing or selling. The county childcare committee has done a lot of work to try to find new people to come in to provide community services. Work is ongoing and I recognise that. While it is a big challenge and is undoubtedly a major concern for parents, we are using the mechanisms we can to keep services open or at least ensure there is continuity of services.

The Deputy asked about the actions we are taking and they are clear. The capital grant will provide services with State money to allow them to expand. We have been engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage around the planning regulations. Where there are new and large housing developments, childcare provision is meant to be included. That is not always delivered on time or appropriately. We are examining how to tighten those regulations.

It is important to say that core funding is actually creating increased capacity in existing services.

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