79. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures being taken to address the shortage of after-school childcare places in the mid-Cork region; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32414/25]

Sentiment score: -0.08

Parents in different parts of mid-Cork have raised with me the difficulty they have in getting available after-school childcare. They are possibly travelling long distances or waiting a long time to get a place, if they are lucky enough to do so. Could the Minister outline what steps are being taken to make available additional places across mid-Cork?

Sentiment score: 0.03

Last August in Cloghduff, the only provider in that area withdrew from the core funding and left local parents in a very difficult position. This is an area that has seen considerable building of houses in recent years with more homes currently under construction and strong demand for childcare nearby. Another mum was in contact with me who said she had signed up with nine different facilities, chasing after school services around Ballincollig, Cross Barry and the Farran area. She was told it would be 2026 before she could expect a place to be available. She wants to work full-time which is a real challenge for her due to the lack of after-school childcare. There is a similar situation for a mum in Millstreet working in the Cork area. Are there recognised black spots and particular measures which could be there to support parents in these areas?

Sentiment score: 0.02

Tá dúshlán breise ag pobal na Gaeltachta toisc go dteastaíonn uainn ár dteanga a thabhairt slán don chéad ghlúin eile. Is baolach gurb amhlaidh go bhfuil níos lú roghanna againn dá bharr sin. Ní féidir taisteal chomh fada agus níl an rogha céanna ann. Tá muintir Ré na nDoirí ag lorg ionad cúram leanaí a chur ar fáil chun freastal ar dhaoine tar éis scoile. Tá muintir Bhéal Átha an Ghaorthaidh tar éis a bheith ag streachailt le heaspa foirgnimh ar feadh i bhfad, Tá gá le hionad cúram leanaí i mBaile Bhuirne chomh maith. An féidir a chinntiú go mbeidh tacaíocht chuí ar fáil do thuismitheoirí sna pobail seo? Gaeltacht communities have a particular and added difficulty in ensuring facilities are available through Irish. Can the appropriate support be provided to parents in Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh, where they have struggled with a building recently? Families in Ré na nDoirí have plans to develop an after-school facility, which is needed in Baile Bhuirne as well.

Sentiment score: -0.03