120. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children in Kilkenny benefiting from the national childcare scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7547/25]

Sentiment score: 0.03

I congratulate the Minister in her new role and I look forward to working with her. Childcare is a significant issue and it needs to be tackled with urgency and intensity. Accessibility and affordability are two key issues. My question is specifically on the number of children in my constituency of Kilkenny and Carlow who benefit from the national childcare scheme.

Sentiment score: 0.30

The children of Ireland, in particular in my home constituency of Carlow–Kilkenny, deserve quality childcare that is accessible and affordable and will give them the best start in life. The key word here is "accessibility" because we have a significant number of providers that are oversubscribed and have waiting lists coming out of their arms. It absolutely needs to be addressed. I acknowledge the significant unprecedented investment and how the previous Government succeeded in reducing childcare costs by 50% on average for families around the country. This is very welcome, but in April last year, an Irish Independent survey found that the average monthly cost for full daycare for one child was between €640 and €880 in Kilkenny and €600 to €800 in Carlow. The programme for Government commits to progressively reducing the cost of childcare to €200 per month per child through the national childcare scheme. Bearing the current price in mind, can the Minister provide any update on this commitment?

Sentiment score: 0.32

The programme for Government contains other important commitments with regard to affordability of childcare, including exploring the option to cap costs for larger families. As a father of four children, I would like to think I should be clapped on the back for the contribution I make to my local GAA club in terms of the number of players, etc., and not be punished, because we are keeping schools open and the economy going. Is that something we could look at in terms of capping the costs for those who have larger families? Can we also ensure that childcare providers' fees are open, transparent and equitable and readily available to parents? Finally, can the Minister provide an update with regard to these commitments? Has work commenced in this area? Has the Minister had any discussions with the officials in her Department, notwithstanding that she has been recently appointed to this role, about implementing these commitments?

Sentiment score: 0.23