111. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the action she intends to take to ensure that parents have access to State-provided early years education facilities where there is a lack of provision; her plans to reduce the cost of child care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8541/25]

Sentiment score: 0.19

What actions will the Minister take to ensure parents can have access to State-provided early years education facilities where there is currently a lack of such facilities? I also ask what actions she will take to reduce the cost of childcare.

Sentiment score: 0.04

I thank the Minister. Early Childhood Ireland outlined in January that statistics from Pobal state that 6,663 children under the age of one are on a crèche waiting list where there are only 223 places available. It also goes on to say that 12,208 children aged between one and two are on a waiting list where there are only 675 places available. The Minister mentioned that in the programme from Government, the Government has committed to building or purchasing State-owned childcare facilities and to creating additional capacity. In her reply, the Minister spoke about a poll of parents. Will she let us know in the House when, where and how that poll will be conducted? It is important that we address those anomalies. In Cork, at the moment, there are 534 children under the age of one vying for 17 places. This is what is happening throughout the country in many areas in the State. In Kildare, in my own area, many parents are seeking childcare accommodation and they want to hear from the Government and from the Minister as to what is going to happen for them and the when, where and how that poll might be conducted.

Sentiment score: 0.12

I thank the Minister. The other area I wish to ask about is childcare costs. I recently met a young family in Newbridge, County Kildare, who are paying €1,400 per month. The Minister will know, as it is often referenced in this House, that this is a second mortgage. However, it is obviously not just in Newbridge that those are the costs of childcare; it is throughout the State. Linked to those costs are the turnover in staff where the average turnover is 25% of those working in the sector. Many of them quote the low pay they are receiving at present. There is a huge cost for them. Associated with that is the issue of the many regional childcare providers that have delays with payments from the Department, which are causing them headaches and issues about staying open. Obviously, there are then the increased overhead costs that many of these childcare providers, particularly in rural areas, have faced. Will the Government address any of that to try to reduce childcare costs for parents while also ensuring providers will stay open?

Sentiment score: 0.12