91. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to address the shortage of early childcare places, particularly for children between the age of 0 to two years which is preventing many parents, especially women, from returning to work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60793/25]

Sentiment score: -0.08

I obviously am going to welcome any increases in budget and she is right when she says there are pockets across the country where the demand is far in excess of the places that are available. In County Louth we have 114 childcare services but only 31 of those offer places for children under the age of two. That equates to less than 30%. While maternity leave has been extended, for a family that needs one or both parents to go back to work unpaid maternity leave is of no benefit as they have bills to pay and they need to keep the show on the road. In addition, and despite the advances with men's involvement in family life, an issue that affects women more than men is parents who want to go back to work and progress in their careers while at the same time being able to place their children in care facilities where they are cared for, thereby allowing the parents to go back out to work. Do we have a timeline for addressing these issues because it is not really acceptable to be below the 30% mark?

Sentiment score: 0.15

Do I have another minute?

Sentiment score: 0.00

I will be. I thank the Cathaoirleach Gníomhach. He is very kind. I thank the Minister very much for all of the advances she is making. However, back in 1990, Mary Robinson stood up and said that the hand that rocked the cradle had rocked the system. If we do not address this issue and find childcare places for the young babies and toddlers of this generation of young women, the only thing they will be doing in the future is rocking the cradle. There will be no system for them to rock.

Sentiment score: 0.21