Income Inequality
1. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the way in which he will address the disparity in income levels across the State; the way in which he will ensure high-paid jobs are not only centralised in major urban areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13851/26]
What is Minister doing about the disparity in income levels across the State and what is he doing to ensure that well-paid jobs are not just centralised in the major urban areas but also spread out to the regions?
I and many other rural and regional Deputies stand here week in, week out asking for fairness and balanced regional investment to attract secure and well-paid jobs to our regions. We have an over-concentration of high-paid employment in major urban centres forcing people to relocate or commute long distances just to access employment opportunities.
The programme for Government sets out a strong enterprise and fiscal framework that prioritises economic and employment growth. Last year, the Irish labour market saw sustained employment growth and rising participation with a record number of persons at work at 2.8 million people so our policies are working and our economy is resilient. The latest data to hand shows that our labour market was better than many had expected in the latter part of 2025 with the monthly unemployment rate revised down to 4.7% in December. Other data, such as CSO information on employee payrolls, also shows positive momentum at the end of 2025 with employee numbers up 2%. However, I do expect that activity levels will moderate through this year in part due to international conditions but also given that the labour market is close to full employment.
My Department is continually monitoring labour market conditions and several of our recent initiatives will be central to supporting the broader economy not least our ambitious investment plans and the action plan on competitiveness and productivity I published last year. The Government remains fully committed to improving our competitive position and adding more jobs in the future and the action plan has a range of measures to build a more resilient economy.
Another important initiative on the labour market front will be the successor strategy to Pathways to Work 2021-2025, which is overseen by the Department of Social Protection. That Department has recently concluded a public consultation on this as the Government looks to develop a new successor strategy.
In respect of the high paid jobs being centred on major urban areas, it is important to stress this Government’s commitment to balanced regional development. Over the past number of years, we have seen strong regional development with intensive employment growth post-pandemic. Since the pandemic, numbers at work have increased by close to one fifth - 440,000 persons. In fact, budget 2026 highlighted in particular the spread of employment growth with job gains in every region in marked contrast to previous employment expansions. For example, between 2013 and 2019, growth was disproportionately driven by Dublin.
The newly released 2024 data from the CSO shows stark disparities in disposable income and worrying employment trends, particularly around the northern and western region. I will set out some of the figures that are causing me concern. The average disposable income per person nationally in 2024 was €30,139 but in the northern and western region, it was €27,166. In Mayo, it was €27,343, which was almost 10% below the national average. That is not a marginal gap but a clear regional imbalance that confirms what communities already know, which is that workers in the northern and western region are more likely to be in lower-paid employment and have less money left at the end of the month. Even more alarmingly, in 2024, 58,140 people were recorded as employed in jobs physically located in Mayo, which was a drop of 8.7% on 2023.
I would point out that the gold standard for us as politicians and our citizens is the CSO. It has pointed out that all 13 sectors of the economy are growing equally and that the gross average industrial wage is over €1,000 per week, which is a 45% increase since 2015. We have seen 2,700 new jobs in the west over the past year, which means 2,700 families have an additional income this year compared to last year. It also means that we are working to ensure we have very strong clients based on budget 2026. Look at Hollister in the Deputy's own area. Look at AbbeVie, Coca-Cola, Fanta and Baxter. These are huge multinational clients providing high-value jobs in the west. The policies in budget 2026, particularly our research, development and innovation tax credit, will deliver high-quality, high-paid jobs and that is what this Government is committed to doing.
There is something to see here. I ask the Minister to pay attention to this because what I quoted to him in terms of the drop of 8.7% in 2024 in Mayo alone represents 5,540 fewer jobs located in the county in just one year. Yes, some people commute to neighbouring counties but when the number of jobs physically based in a county falls so sharply, it signals declining regional investment and missed opportunity. While this data does not yet include 2025, it paints a deeply worrying picture of growing regional inequality. The statistics do not lie. Balanced regional development cannot just remain a slogan. If high-paid jobs continue to cluster in a small number of urban centres, we will deepen the housing crisis pressures in those cities, hollow out rural communities and widen the income gap between regions so we need very targeted regional enterprise strategies and stronger incentives for high-value industries to locate in the northern and western region.
The data I am quoting relates to quarter 3 of 2025, so this is the up-to-date data regarding new high-quality jobs going to the west. The figure is 2,700. There are 3,900 new jobs in the midlands while the figure in the south west grew by about 4.7%, so all sectors are growing, all component parts that make up our economy are growing and our wages are growing. Critically, the key point in the CSO annual return in December was that this is the first time that we have seen real wage growth in our economy and that the growth in wages outpaced the rate of inflation, which means people have more purchasing power. The data is very clear for everyone to see. We want to continue on the basis of budget 2026 to bring more high-quality jobs to rural areas. Our IDA strategy is very focused on that with 55% going to the regions. This will be key to delivering that over the next five years and we are very much committed to doing that.
National Minimum Wage
2. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment whether he will increase the minimum wage for apprentices to address the construction sector skills gap. [13853/26]
We need about 80,000 additional construction workers to meet our infrastructural needs and goals over the coming years. That means we have to make apprenticeships much more attractive for people to go into, so we have the tradespeople and the craftspeople to deliver on those infrastructural goals. We also have skills shortages in many other areas. There are many aspects to making it more attractive to take up apprenticeships but increasing the minimum payment, particularly in the first few years of apprenticeships, is critical. Does the Minister of State intend to raise these minimum pay rates for apprentices?
My Department has responsibility for the National Minimum Wage Act 2000. The Act prescribes the minimum hourly rate of pay for the majority of employees in Ireland subject to a small number of exemptions. Apprentices are excluded from the Act and from the right to receive the national minimum wage. Apprentices are excluded from the National Minimum Wage Act in recognition of the unique nature of apprenticeships and the fact that a long-established practice for determining rates, which adequately protects apprentices, exists.
Apprenticeships offer a unique combination of education and work experience. When the national minimum wage was first introduced, it was recognised that providing an exemption for apprentices would promote apprenticeships and encourage employers to focus on training apprentices and offering opportunities to them while at the same time recognising the cost to employers in terms of time invested and productivity forgone.
Apprentices are employees and all of the 78 apprenticeship programmes are undertaken under a contract of employment. For the majority of apprenticeships, the rate of pay is agreed between the apprentice and the employer with the employer paying the apprentice during both on-the-job and off-the-job training elements. For the 25 craft apprenticeship programmes, the minimum rates of pay applying under the employment contract are either agreed within the relevant sector or are set out in legally binding sectoral employment orders recommended by the Labour Court.
I know that considerations regarding apprentice wages may affect learner and employer demand for apprenticeships. Wage levels may present a barrier to entry to apprenticeships for some individuals. Conversely, wage costs and training costs may discourage some employers from hiring apprentices. We must consider this issue very carefully.
While I take the point about apprentices in training, the CSO has reported that over 90% of apprentices who qualified in 2020 were in employment two years later with median weekly earnings of €935 and over €48,600 annually.
The average starter age for somebody taking up an apprenticeship is 21 to 22 years. While many of those are living at home, many are not, and some want to get out of home. If the Minister of State wants to make it attractive, a first-year wage of €7.67 per hour or €11.50 per hour in the second year is not exactly an attractive option. If they are living out of home or if they have children, it is completely unsustainable. There are then added things like equipment costs, which are very significant for many apprentices, transport costs and so on.
We have got a major problem in delivering on our housing goals. We are failing significantly. We are tens of thousands short of what we need annually in terms of houses to put roofs over the heads of the people in this country. We have to make it more attractive and that means raising these pitifully low wages, particularly in the first and second years for apprentices.
The Government is taking important steps with regard to supporting the apprenticeship programme. We have seen huge investment in recent years. In budget 2026, we allocated over €78 million to the apprenticeship programme. This investment is delivering significant results. We have seen annual apprenticeship registrations increase from 5,326 in 2020 to 9,352 at the end of 2024. We are very ambitious to drive that to 12,500 by 2030 and, indeed, we have worked with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science to try to support that. Our focus is on supporting entry and ensuring that we have retention and completion. The Government's new updated action plan on careers in construction for 2026 is an important element of that. It specifically looks at barriers to participation, especially for women, but also for those who are under-represented and those we can include into the construction sector because, as the Deputy said earlier, we need to ramp up the number of apprenticeships coming through.
The number of people has increased, but it is still well short of what we need because, as we know, we have a housing emergency, we have water infrastructure that we have to develop and we have shortages in a whole number of areas, including a shortage of chefs. We have to make it more attractive. The further education committee is producing a report next week which goes into many aspects of this. I repeat that the wage for the first year is €7.67 per hour and for the second year is €11.50 per hour. If the average age of people going into apprenticeships is 21 to 22, it is just not a runner. I cannot say it is not a runner because some people do it, but it is tough going. If the Minister is talking about inclusion and the barriers that exist for women, people with disabilities and different groups, this is a serious barrier and we need to do something about it. Part of the reason I am in favour of a State construction company is so we can take on more apprentices on better rates and make it more attractive to be an apprentice. At a minimum, we need to raise those first-year and second-year rates to minimum-wage rates.
We are all in agreement that we need to address the construction skills gap and that is very much central to the Government's strategy. We do not want to price young people or employers out of the system and that is important to reflect on. We are investing in career pathways, educational access and targeted incentives. We are very much focused on building confidence in careers within the construction sector through apprenticeships and we want to do that. As I said earlier, apprentices are not at the bottom of the pay scale when it comes to their transition with a skill that they have developed over their apprentice programme. Most who qualify are on over €49,000 per year two years post entry into the sector. That is reflective of the programme they undertake, but also their post-qualification position and what that means.
We need to do more and that is why we are continuing to invest with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science on the craft apprenticeship programme to address the skills gap across the sector.
Small and Medium Enterprises
3. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to provide an update on the comprehensive review assessing the cost structures for SME and family-owned businesses, which can be found in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13850/26]
The cost of doing business in this State for small and medium-sized enterprises, SMEs; family-owned businesses; and the self-employed is running out of control. In the programme for Government, it is listed that the Government will conduct a comprehensive review to assess the cost structures for SMEs and family-owned businesses to identify areas where costs can be reduced. Will the Minister provide an update on this review? Will he tell businesses the areas he has identified where costs will be cut?
I thank Deputy Conway-Walsh for her important question. The Government recently established the Cost of Business Advisory Forum and published the action plan on competitiveness and productivity, both of which are commitments in Programme for Government: Securing Ireland’s Future. The establishment of the Cost of Business Advisory Forum delivers on the commitment regarding supports for small businesses, enterprise and industries. The forum is a tripartite collaboration bringing together various representative bodies spanning multiple sectors as well as SMEs. The purpose is to jointly consider those issues that can lead to higher costs for businesses in Ireland, any associated regulatory or infrastructural issues that merit a changed approach, and steps that could be taken to mitigate these issues.
The first meeting of the advisory forum took place in June. Numerous organisations representing Ireland’s enterprise sector, including SMEs, were joined by officials from a variety of State agencies and Government Departments. The second meeting, which was the forum’s first thematic meeting, took place in July and focused on energy costs and security of supply. Other thematic meetings included a meeting on insurance costs in August, a meeting on regulation and planning in September, November’s meeting focused on water services, the meeting in January of this year focused on legal costs, and a meeting on tax reporting and compliance took place yesterday. The forum has met regularly over the past eight months, with each meeting devoted to a distinct thematic area of concern for businesses. There are two outstanding meetings. The last thematic meeting will be on banking, payments and financial services and will take place on 25 March. The last meeting of the forum will focus on members' feedback in relation to the final report to the Government and is scheduled for the first half of 2026.
The focus of the action plan on competitiveness and productivity is on the key actions that can be taken to strengthen Ireland’s competitiveness and productivity which in turn will lead to improvements in our economic performance. The action plan was published on 10 September 2025 and contains 85 actions across six themes, including the third theme, which focuses on creating and scaling more SMEs.
Go raibh maith agat, Minister, for that update. The important thing is that it makes a difference on the ground and makes a difference to businesses because the situation facing SMEs with regard to costs is increasingly more unsustainable. We saw 848 insolvencies last year. I fear for what the number will be in 2026. At the end of 2025, 80% of businesses from across all sectors that participated in the SME business sentiment survey by Chartered Accountants Ireland and GRID Finance reported an increase in their costs, with a special mention for energy costs. It was reported yesterday that Irish business confidence has fallen to just 54%. This is the lowest level since the Covid-19 pandemic, and it is down sharply from 81% at the beginning of the year. In contrast, 74% of SMEs globally remain optimistic about the year ahead with only a slight year-on-year decline, so there is something we need to focus on here.
I focus on evidence. I refer, for example, to the measures that were taken in budget 2026, such as the reduction in the VAT rate for the hospitality sector. We are giving the sector 4.5% on its margin to assist with its costs and we are saying that we need 7% growth right across the tourism sector under our strategy, A New Era for Irish Tourism. We have also reduced energy costs with the 9% VAT rate on gas and electricity. We have increased the loan limit available from Microfinance Ireland to €50,000 for low-cost loans into the sector and will be coming forward with a working capital programme to succeed the growth and stability loan of €500 million, which was utilised late last year. We also increased the innovation voucher to €10,000. Critically, we reduced a host of conditions for sustainability grants like the energy-efficiency scheme, which gives €10,000, or 75% of the cost, to small businesses like local shops and butchers. Such small businesses on the high street are so important to the fabric of rural life. We will keep doing that and keep working to ensure we do our best to reduce those key costs for businesses.
The question that must be asked is this: what is happening here at home? When we look globally, the Minister has named all of the initiatives he is doing but why are Irish business leaders growing even more pessimistic about the future? Confidence in projected revenue growth dropped dramatically at the end of last year, from 79% to 59% in just three months. When businesses were asked about increasing head count in 2026, the figure dropped from 59% to 46%. These figures are not abstract statistics; they signal the slowing of growth, reduced hiring and growing uncertainty across local economies. We need to look at this and we need more actions.
SMEs and family-owned businesses are the backbone of our economy. They sustain communities, provide employment in rural and urban Ireland and drive innovation and local enterprise. The programme for Government recognised the need for a comprehensive review of SME cost structures. Businesses are now urgently waiting for that to make a real difference in their businesses and in keeping their doors open.
I am very acutely aware of the cost of doing business. That is why we have brought forward a forum, it is why we are going to take action in this regard and it is why we have taken a suite of measures across budget 2026. We know what is happening in the Irish economy; 2.82 million people are employed in our country. That is a record. We know that the average wage is €1,000 per week. That is a record; it is up 45% since 2015. We know that all 13 sectors of the economy that are measured in the CSO data are growing. That is a record right now in this country. Our tax revenue coming in to resolve the infrastructural deficits we have is at a record level.
I would point out that the Deputy has opposed every attempt I have made to stabilise small businesses, from subminimum rates to the living wage to sick days - every area that drives costs for business. If you ask a small family business what its biggest driver and challenge is, you will be told that it is wages. The biggest challenge for every business is wages. We are assisting with that and we are helping real wage growth in the economy, where we know our most vulnerable employees are outpacing the rate of inflation with their pay packets.
Youth Unemployment
4. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment his concerns regarding the high levels of youth unemployment; the initiatives he has in place to tackle it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13849/26]
We wanted a PRSI rebate in the budget to help businesses with their costs, including additional labour costs. We need good, quality jobs. We do not need a race to the bottom but we will have that discussion on another day. I wish to ask the Minister if he is concerned about the levels of youth employment. What initiatives is he putting in place to tackle it? I am deeply concerned with the consistently high level of youth unemployment here. The latest figures for January show that it stands at 12%; it wavers between 12% and 14%.
I thank the Deputy for her question. The programme for Government sets out a strong enterprise and fiscal framework that prioritises economic and employment growth, with a target of creating 300,000 extra jobs by 2030. I am pleased to report that the Irish labour market saw sustained employment growth, rising labour force participation and record job numbers last year, indicative of a resilient performance. In total, over 2.8 million people are now employed in Ireland.
The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.7% in January, broadly consistent with full employment. The youth unemployment rate, for those between the ages of 15 and 24, increased slightly to 11.8% in January but remains well below the EU and euro area averages. It is not unusual for youth unemployment rates to be higher than those of older cohorts. This can be due to a lack of relevant work experience among youth workers, skills mismatches, or difficulties experienced in moving between education and employment, with clear seasonal and demographic patterns. However, many of these factors are temporary in nature. As young people widen their professional networks and gain broader work and life experience, their employment prospects improve. It is also important that we focus on employment as well as unemployment, with the former clearly under the remit of my Department.
The statistics show that we created a lot of jobs right across the economy last year and that our employment rates for young people are very high by any margin, certainly in comparison to our European peers. It is important to stress that huge numbers of our young people are in education or training as well as in employment. I can point the Deputy to CSO data for this very subject, in particular the CSO data on a series of measures in regard to the numbers of people not in employment, education or training, the so-called not in education, employment or training, NEETs, rate. In 2023, for Ireland, the rate was 8.6% relative to an average of 12.1% across Europe. We are doing so much right here in creating opportunities for young people.
The Minister of State rightly says that this is not unique to Ireland but I do not think that is a reason for saying that everything is okay. If you look at the EU average, yes, it is 15%. In Britain it is 15.3%. However, there are actions that need to be taken here. For unemployment in general, we have nearly three times that rate for youth unemployment. Young people who complete their education are struggling to find well-paid work. They deserve to have career prospects after completing their studies or training and having invested in obtaining a qualification. Some 44,600 people aged 15 to 24 years are currently unemployed in this country. When we say unemployed, obviously that is not people in education but it is people who are available for and willing to work. I take on board what the Minister of State is saying around the lack of experience and all that but again, I think there is something worrying happening here in youth unemployment. These people are not in any form of education or training and we need to put initiatives in place.
I disagree entirely with the suggestion that Government is not doing anything and is complacent on youth employment. We can see from the CSO's recent data that it has clearly identified a temporary demographic and seasonal effect, while there is also a surge in young people entering the labour force for the very first time. That is not a collapse in youth opportunity; it is, in one sense, supported through the creation by this Government, across many sectors, of job opportunities within engineering, green technology and construction. We have seen a huge number of new opportunities being created, even in 2025. We are also seeing that most of the recent increases in youth employment affect those without post-secondary qualifications. That is why we have, as a Government, invested in programmes such as Springboard+ and MicroCreds and expanded the apprenticeship network. As I said earlier, we have an ambitious programme to continue to invest in apprenticeships to ensure that every young person can transition from learning and earn the right skills to enter the workforce correctly.
My view of the world is different from that of the Minister of State. When you look at our own county, you see that Youthreach is a really good programme in regard to addressing disadvantage and social exclusion. We have waiting lists to get onto those programmes in Ballina and Kiltimagh. We do not have either the physical space to be able to do the training with them or the personnel. I ask the Minister of State to look at that in particular. We cannot leave so many young people behind. There are real social and economic consequences to leaving so many people behind and with adjustments, things could be done.
There needs to be a joining up of further and higher education and the workforce as well, which I do not believe is happening to the extent that it needs to be happening. In regard to investment in career guidance, it needs to start at a much earlier age - I would even say in national school, with regard to people's subject choices when they go into secondary school and taking it on from there. We do not have enough career guidance within the schools to ensure that young people can avail of the opportunities that match their interests and skills.
I agree with some of the Deputy's suggestions in regard to continued investment in key actions under Pathways to Work. I know that needs to provide enhanced supports for young people and jobseekers. The establishment of the employment and youth engagement charter is important to bring employers and young people together to tackle the barriers in regard to getting into the workforce.
As I said earlier, we need to continue to strengthen the partnership between our further education and private employment sectors and consider how the Government can support that.
We need to break the cycle whereby, if there is no experience, people are not entitled to a job, or if there is no job, there can be no experience. This is about aligning policy with education reform. We are making an important partnership by expanding flexibility around blended forms of learning and, as I said earlier, the apprenticeship model. We will continue to do that.
Small and Medium Enterprises
5. Deputy Tony McCormack asked the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment the specific supports which are available to indigenous SMEs operating in rural towns to ensure their long-term sustainability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13848/26]
As the Minister knows, small and medium enterprises are the backbone of our economy. Many of our young people end up getting their first job or first experience in these businesses. What specific supports are available to indigenous small and medium enterprises operating in rural towns to ensure their long-term sustainability?
I am committed to boosting the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of SMEs across the country by supporting them to reduce costs and improve their overall productivity. The Government now has a range of supports available to SMEs to save on energy costs, while improving their sustainability. The local enterprise offices, based within the 31 local authorities, offer advice, consultancy and grants in the areas of lean, green and digital. These grants focus on enhancing productivity and improving competitiveness in small businesses.
Effective and efficient use of materials and resources can make a significant difference to the profitability of businesses, making them more sustainable and increasing their ability to respond to shocks in the economy. For example, the energy efficiency grant offers up to €10,000, or 75% of the costs, for small businesses to invest in technologies and equipment identified in a Green for Business, GreenStart or SEAI energy audit. The aim of the scheme is to reduce the impact of enterprises on the environment and, critically, their energy costs in the longer term.
Enterprise Ireland has a broad range of supports that help rural SMEs improve productivity, embrace digital tools and transition to a low-carbon future, which will be essential for their long-term sustainability. These include the climate action voucher, which provides up to two days of independent training or advisory services to develop an initial sustainability action plan, and GreenStart, which provides up to €5,000 to fund the cost of hiring a sustainability consultant to introduce best practice sustainable systems to the business. Additionally, the Climate Toolkit 4 Business is a free online resource where SMEs can estimate and understand their businesses' carbon footprint. Businesses receive a tailored climate action plan specific to their business, with recommendations on the most impactful steps they can take, and directions to the Government supports to help them achieve these steps.
I welcome the work being carried out by the local enterprise offices and Enterprise Ireland. Their support and engagement with businesses is widely recognised and is making a real difference. However, when speaking to SME owners, particularly in rural towns, the message is clear: they need more practical, easy-to-access supports that help with the real cost of doing business. Many enterprises, especially those that provide services rather than manufacture products, feel they are often left in the wilderness when it comes to qualifying for certain schemes. Retailers, hospitality providers and other local service businesses are the backbone of our communities. They create jobs, drive footfall and sustain town centres, yet some believe that existing supports are not always designed with their needs in mind.
One measure that is frequently raised is the reintroduction of a scheme similar to the Power Up grant, which provided straightforward assistance when businesses needed it most. Will the Minister give consideration to bringing back a targeted grant to help SMEs manage ongoing cost pressures?
There is also growing concern about rising employment costs. While increases in the minimum wage are important, small employers are asking that future changes be linked more closely to inflation and introduced in a predictable manner, so they can plan ahead with confidence. Above all, we must continue listening to people on the ground.
I thank Deputy McCormack for his concern. I will make a few points. First, in addition to the sustainability grants, digitalisation allows businesses to either grow their revenue or reduce their cost base. That is a key way to change the business model. The critical thing about a grant is that the business does not change its model, which potentially leads to an unsustainable pathway, so it has to be done every single year. Businesses can increase revenue or reduce costs. That is how they get on a winning path. We are trying to continue with that. Our National Enterprise Hub has 250 supports. I would encourage all SMEs to log onto that to get the details on the range of supports.
I would also point out that we have reduced the VAT rate on gas and electricity for SMEs, and we reduced the VAT rate on hospitality to 9% from 1 July. I am saying to businesses in the hospitality sector that that is 4.5% on their margins. I need 7% growth from them to ensure we get a very strong return of jobs and revenue back into the Exchequer.
We also did a huge amount of work with the low-cost loans, increasing the microfinance loan to €50,000 and doubling the investment innovation voucher to €10,000.
No business should feel invisible when it comes to Government support, yet many service-based SMEs believe they are overlooked simply because they do not manufacture or export. These businesses face significant overheads before they even open their doors, from licences and regulatory requirements to insurance, energy, wages and other rising costs. Despite these pressures, they continue to provide local employment and play a vital role in keeping town centres alive. If we are serious about supporting them, we need to commit to delivering at least one new practical support specifically for service-based SMEs this year, and to engaging directly with business owners on the ground so the supports reflect the real challenges they face. Listening is important but it must lead to action. What clear, practical step can be taken now to reassure these businesses that their contribution is recognised, and that they will not be left behind?
I would be willing to work with the Deputy across government to enhance the supports the LEOs have been offering to SMEs, the small family businesses that make up two thirds of all the employment across our country and drive so much of the economic activity in our communities. We are absolutely looking to enhance supports for them. The Minister of State, Deputy Alan Dillon, and I are doing a lot of work in relation to the LEOs, Enterprise Ireland and the service level agreement that pertains to both.
With regard to the midlands, I would point out that from quarter 3 of 2024 to quarter 3 of 2025, 3,900 new jobs were created in that locality. Critically, that means there are 3,900 families with an additional income that was not the case a year earlier.
On the broader spectrum, budget 2026 was an exclusively enterprise budget. That will fuel the engine for the years ahead to ensure we can do so many things for employees and tackle our infrastructural deficits in the coming years. That will be critical to the success of our economy.
Early Childhood Care and Education
91. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she is concerned at reports of early years services and childminders receiving bills for commercial rates; if she will act to ensure rates are not applied; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13520/26]
In recent weeks especially, I have been contacted by a number of ECCE providers, as well as a number of childminders. So too have a number of my colleagues, and I am sure the Minister is well aware of this. They have been receiving commercial rates bills and have been contacted in relation to such moneys owed. I would like to know if the Minister is aware of this situation and what she intends to do about it in her role as Minister.
I confirm that I am aware that a number of early years services and childminders have been receiving rates payable notifications from their local authorities. Given the importance of early learning and childcare for children, families and communities across the country, I am giving this matter my full attention. I have met with my Cabinet colleague, the Minister, Deputy Browne, on this matter. Additionally, officials in the Department are engaging with their colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and Tailte Éireann. I am committed to furnishing the Deputy with an update once the Department has clarity on this matter.
It should be noted that commercial rates payments for early learning and childcare providers, including childminders, do not fall, as the Deputy will appreciate, within the remit of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. The Department has no role in determining which properties are rateable.
The making of valuations for rating purposes is the sole and full responsibility of Tailte Éireann, formerly the Commissioner of Valuation. Tailte Éireann falls under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Further to this, as I stated previously, I believe childminders should not have their homes assessed for commercial rates. My understanding is that childminders are only likely to be charged rates if they have space dedicated solely to their childminding business, and that the large majority of childminders who use the normal family rooms in the house for childminding are therefore unlikely to be charged rates. Again, we would like to absolutely clarify this understanding and issue a clear message to childminders.
I appreciate the enormous concern and stress this is causing on the ground. I assure the Deputy, although this does not fall within our remit and I am very conscious it is a matter for Tailte Éireann, which I appreciate is independent of the Department of housing, we want to bring this to an end. I know there is not consistency across local authorities either in relation to the matter. That is something that needs to be addressed too.
I appreciate that the Minister has engaged with the Minister, Deputy Browne. Clearly, this is something that needs to be sorted out as quickly as possible because, as the Minister acknowledged, there is stress and worry. A lot of childminders were shocked to hear from Tailte Éireann and then to receive such rates that they never had before. It is important this issue is dealt with quickly. I fully appreciate it is not within the remit of the Minister's Department, but I acknowledge she has reached out to the housing Minister. This is something that needs to be sorted out very quickly.
I hosted a number of childminders from various parts of the State yesterday, along with Childminding Ireland. This is an issue they raised and one they want sorted out. There are obviously other issues in terms of childminders deciding their future but, for a lot of them, this is very much the last straw. It needs to be sorted out and I acknowledge the Minister is trying to do that. Does she believe legislation is required in order to exempt the likes of childminders and early childhood care and education, ECCE, facilities?
I know the Deputy has been very engaged and active on this issue. I cannot underestimate, as I deal with it all the time, and the Deputy outlined this too, how this is causing incredible distress for so many who are an excellent source of support to families on the ground. I want to be clear. It has been the understanding of my Department that there are two exemptions for early learning and childcare services provided for under Schedule 4 of the Valuation Act 2001 and the 2015 amendment to the Act. ECCE-only services, whether these are for profit or are not-for-profit, are exempt under paragraph 10 of the 2001 Act, and not-for-profit early years services are exempt under paragraph 22 of the amended Act. The Department has previously received confirmation from the Department of housing, including at ministerial level, that the intention and practice was for the exemptions provided for in both the original and revised Acts to operate in tandem. I will also be clear in saying that is not the view of Tailte Éireann. I have to respect its independence and that it has a different view, but we are seeking to do the best we can, from all avenues open to us, to ensure clarity is brought to this.
If that Act needs to be amended to specifically state childminders in particular, that needs to be done as quickly as possible. There still is not clarity. While I appreciate the Minister has been engaging, we need to hear that update on what is actually going to happen. As I said, we are at a critical juncture for childminders in the State. I and colleagues heard yesterday from a number of them, who are deciding after 17 or 18 years as childminders not to continue. Commercial rates were raised by each one of them as the endgame. This needs to be sorted out quickly. It would be beneficial for the Minister and helpful for everyone concerned, particularly when we look at the low number of childminders registering, to meet with Childminding Ireland and hear from it directly on this and other matters.
As I said, there is a clear divergence of opinion here between Tailte Éireann and the view of the Department. We would absolutely be supportive of any measure that would bring clarity. Legislation, as referenced by the Deputy, does not fall within the remit of our Department but if that is the necessary step, it is the necessary step. We are doing all we can to support childminders, particularly to come into the registration process. There are dedicated individuals in every city and county childcare committee specifically designated to work with childminders. We want them to be part to the process and to have every opportunity to benefit from being part of the process. There is currently a pilot with childminders in receipt of core funding by a grant or whatever, and a consultation process as regards the wider childcare elements. Through that, there is a lot of engagement with childminders. I would be very happy to engage with them as well through that process.
Child and Family Agency
92. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the amount of funding provided to each provider of special emergency arrangements in 2025; the amount of funding provided to each provider of mainstream residential care in 2025; the total amount of funding in State-owned provision of mainstream residential care in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13264/26]
I appreciate the Deputy raising the important issue of funding for Tusla's residential care services in which the Government has invested significantly over recent years. Officials in the Department have received the detailed financial information he requested from Tusla and will share it with him in full tabular form. In terms of headline figures, the information provided by Tusla indicates that the total cost for statutory or State-owned children's residential centres in 2025 was €53.5 million. The total cost in respect of privately run centres was just over €131 million, while for special emergency arrangements, SEAs, the total cost was just under €38 million.
Both Tusla and I share a common aim to meet the needs of all children in mainstream alternative care placements and to reduce Tusla's operation of SEAs. We have invested significantly in Tusla to this end. In 2026, Tusla's overall funding was raised to €1.37 billion, an increase of 14% or €177 million compared to 2025, which was itself a year of record investment for Tusla. This increase includes an additional €53 million for mainstream residential care. This additional funding will provide for the full-year costs of residential places opened in 2025, in addition to 30 new residential places over the course of 2026. Tusla’s capital budget has also been expanded to €35 million in 2026, which represents 100% growth since 2024. It is a significant uplift for Tusla in terms of its capital and capacity to build. As I said, it is €35 million, which is 100% growth.
While Tusla, supported by the Department, is working to reduce reliance on SEAs, the agency is facing significant and ongoing challenges in sourcing appropriate placements for children in the care of the State.
The reason I am asking the Minister about this is that the Ombudsman for Children has raised concerns about the SEAs and their unregulation. Is she happy with the regulation of these SEAs, particularly the accommodation they offer? The accommodation can go from hotel rooms to apartments. As I said, this has been highlighted by the Ombudsman for Children. It is a serious concern for us all on this side of the House, as I am sure it is for the Minister. The question I have for her relates to the regulation of these premises and providers. Is she happy with what is being carried out by Tusla, given what we have heard on the major cases that have happened, unfortunately, in this State over the last number of months? It is a serious concern for many people. I hope she can clarify those concerns.
As I said, Tusla is working consistently to reduce reliance on SEAs. I know that is the Deputy's wish as much as my own. It is also working to reduce the costs associated with these services and promote the quality and safety of these placements.
The Department is supporting Tusla in these efforts and will continue to do so.
On the week of 8 February, 84 children and young people were classified as separated children seeking international protection in special emergency accommodation, representing a decrease of four over the previous week and of 35 over four weeks previously. The bulk of the children availing of the service are separated children seeking international protection.
Under the current procedures, special emergency arrangements are reviewed regularly and used only when they are the most suitable options available at the time. There is an inconsistency in the numbers of children arriving at different times. Tusla remains committed to moving children, as quickly as possible, out of special emergency arrangements and into long-term placements where they can be supported – for example, in the foster care system.
I will come back to the other points.
I thank the Minister. She mentioned that we would all strive for State-led accommodation. The money being spent on special emergency arrangements surely could be spent on State-led accommodation, whereby regulations would be reviewed more than regularly. My concern is over what “reviewed regularly” means. Is it monthly or weekly? My concern is shared by the Ombudsman for Children and many people I deal with. Have Tusla and the Department plans to move away once and for all from emergency accommodation provided by private operators and to use the money to build fit-for-purpose accommodation for those children who need it most? She might confirm what “reviewed regularly” means because we have had concerns. We have noted these concerns in the media and The Journal has reported very recently on its concern about children facing criminal damages in private accommodation. It is not on. We need to build State accommodation. I ask the Minister to confirm whether this is the plan of her Department.
Specifically on funding for building, Tusla plans to invest a total of €286 million in expanding mainstream residential care in 2026, representing an additional €53 million in current funding compared with the amount for 2025. The additional €53 million for mainstream residential care will provide for the full-year cost of beds opened part of the way through 2025 and for an additional 30 residential care places, which will bring the number of residential places for children in need to over 800. It is planned that the 30 additional mainstream residential placements will comprise 19 State-run statutory placements and 11 privately owned ones.
Specifically on safeguarding procedures, Tusla has developed standard operating procedures for placements. These detail extensive checks that any prospective special emergency accommodation provider must adhere to, including in relation to records management and staff vetting. Tusla has advised that all special emergency accommodation providers should be vetted by the central compliance unit. The unit ensures that Garda vetting and appropriate qualifications are in order before any child is placed with a prospective provider. The unit also carries out spot checks to validate staff on active duty. Tusla uses practice assurance and service monitoring reports to support the provision of high-quality services for children and families. The monitoring extends across Tusla activity, including in respect of special emergency accommodation. Importantly, young people in special emergency accommodation are visited weekly by a social worker or delegated person to have their voices heard and to check on the care being provided.
Guardians Ad Litem
93. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason she will determine legal representation for guardians ad litem in childcare court proceedings; the rationale for this change under the new service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13521/26]
I want to raise with the Minister once again the changes being made under the new guardian ad litem, GAL, national service, and specifically the issue of legal representation for GALs in court proceedings and the change that will see the Minister determine whether such legal representation is allowed in court. Could she provide to us the rationale for the change?
The Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022, which provides for reform of the GAL system, was signed into law on 19 July 2022. This is a very important consideration. The passing of this legislation enables my Department to establish the GAL national service as an executive office. This executive office of the national service carries out functions on behalf of the Minister.
A GAL is a qualified and experienced professional who meets the child, gathers their views and provides an independent report to the judge. GALs are expert witnesses in court. There is no requirement for them to automatically have legal representation in every single case. The GAL national service holds the view, supported by the Attorney General’s office, that the legal advice provided to GALs is legally privileged. Legal advice will be available to GALs through in-house legal teams or procured legal services. Legal advice will be available to them at all times. The head of legal services unit will have responsibility for ensuring legal advice and representation are provided.
Section 35D of the 2022 Act sets out the grounds by which the Minister shall, in the best interest of the child, determine the provision of legal representation. These grounds include the views of the court, the GAL's intention to make an application for legal representation, and the opinion of the GAL in relation to any application made in the court proceedings. In regard to the latter, I refer to where a particular issue is being flagged or raised by the GAL. There are specific scenarios in which legal representation will be provided to a GAL, namely special care applications and applications under the Mental Health Act. GALs may also make an application to have “such rights as a party”, and legal representation will be provided in these cases. The current measure, as set out in section 26 of the Child Care Act 1991, makes no provision for legal representation for GALs. It is interesting that there has been none whatsoever up to this point.
I thank the Minister. I want to be very clear that the national service is needed. I have no issue whatsoever with it and do not believe the vast majority of GALs have either. However, with regard to what is being proposed under the national service, legal representation has been raised by GALs. I take their point because they have decades of experience in some cases. It is really important that we listen to them.
I cannot understand why the provision exists. Is there an understanding that GALs are choosing to have legal representation that is not needed? Of course, it is not needed in every case, but I could not understand why a GAL would look for legal representation unless it was needed. This is all for the child; there is nothing in it for the GAL. It is all about the child and representation for the child in court. What is the rationale for what is being done now?
I reiterate that this was signed into law on 19 July 2022. At all times, legal advice will be available to GALs. If there are particular reasons for legal representation, such as its being recommended by the court or the GAL wishing to make an application where a case is particularly complex, it will be provided for. In the main, however, we have to be clear about the role of the GAL. He or she is an expert witness in the court proceedings. That is the bottom line. If, however, a GAL wishes to make an application, legal representation will be provided. It will be provided at all times outside these circumstances. It is interesting to note that until the new legislation was signed into law on 19 July 2022, there was no provision at all for legal representation. Therefore, the current provisions are actually a step forward.
I welcome the fact that the Minister is to meet the GALs next week. My understanding from engaging with them is that legal representation always existed where they needed it. They could seek it and have it, and there was no issue in that regard. Now, however, they will have to seek it through an application to the service. If GALs were choosing to have or seeking legal representation without merit, it would make no sense because there would be nothing in it for them.
My concern is that a GAL who may be new to the role and who may or may not be an expert witness must face at least one at two legal representatives on the other side when in court. I raised this with officials of the national service when we met them. They were good enough to come in and brief the committee. I was told that if there is an issue in court and something happens, legal representation will be reconsidered. That is not to the benefit of the child in any shape or form. That is the concern being raised, and it is being raised in a genuine way.
I absolutely accept that this is being raised in a genuine way. I 100% accept the Deputy's bona fides and the bona fides of the GALs and everybody else. At the end of the day, everybody wants the best outcome for the child. I have no difficulty with the concerns and the issues being raised. I 100% accept that. The Deputy has made the point that, heretofore, the practice has been that when a GAL required legal representation, they always got it. That is not changing. When a GAL needs representation, in the first instance, they are an expert witness. If that changes, they need to bring an application where legal representation will be required, and legal representation will be provided for. If there is a particularly complex issue or whatever arising, and if the court or the GAL believes that the complexity requires legal representation, that will be provided for. We cannot conflate the issue that they are first and foremost expert witnesses. If there is a change in circumstance and legal representation is required, that will be provided for.
Child and Family Agency
94. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide an update on her engagements with Tusla regarding well-being checks of closed cases; if she has received a progress report or interim report from the agency and-or the independent steering group; if she has requested a broadening of the scope of these checks; and the workforce planning conducted in respect of ensuring that the checks can be conducted as Tusla implements its integrated reform programme. [12617/26]
Will the Minister provide the House with an update on the Tusla well-being checks, which she instigated within her Department on foot of a number of very tragic cases last year, for all children and young people who had their cases closed by Tusla during the Covid years?
I appreciate the Deputy raising this as I know it is a hugely important issue to him, the House and the wider community.
As he is aware, last September I requested Tusla to conduct a series of well-being checks for children whose cases were closed during the Covid-19 lockdown period. The Tusla well-being project team began its work last October. I am pleased to say that the project is making real progress, thanks to the dedication of the chair and the steering group, staff and colleagues right across Government.
The project's steering group comprises Government Departments, key statutory agencies and stakeholders and, importantly, is independently chaired by Tanya Ward, chief executive of the Children's Rights Alliance. I thank her and the steering group for their work.
The steering group adopted the project methodology in December, taking into account the rights of the children and families involved in each of these cases. This approach enables the project to check each case against the most up-to-date information available on official registers and prioritise cases of significant or most concern. It ensures that the project operates in an effective but non-invasive or non-intrusive way.
Following an initial review carried out by Tusla, it was determined that 76,546 children had referrals closed between 1 March 2020 and 28 February 2022. Approximately 42,000 cases had no new referrals or ongoing engagement with Tusla since the lockdown period. Following this review, approximately 18,000 cases were found to be of children who had since turned 18 years of age and were now deemed to be adults.
Following internal legal advice within the Department, there is no legal basis for Tusla to conduct a well-being check on a young person over the age of 18. On this basis, 18,000 cases are outside the scope of the project. That is a cause of concern, and I assure the Deputy that I have raised that matter with the Attorney General and sought his advice on it. We will await that advice because I am conscious of that cohort of over-18s.
I thank the Minister because she has pre-empted the piece I was going to try to discuss with her. To be honest, I have come around to the idea of this project. At the start I was quite cautious because my understanding and the meaning I would infer from "well-being" would suggest that you are getting a thorough understanding of how a child or a young person is, as opposed to what I called at the time a proof-of-existence check - ultimately, that we are just making sure that the child is still alive and still existing within the State. We had an opportunity to meet Ms Ward and her team this week, and it was really informative. I can understand now very clearly the methodology and Tusla's aspirations in this process. I still have some outstanding concerns about the resources it might have to complete these checks. The Minister will not hear criticism from me in terms of the timeframe. If this takes months, it takes months and should be allowed to happen. I ask the Minister to talk to us a little more about that piece. If I was 12 in 2020 and my case was closed, I am outside the scope of this project. Is there a way in which we can amend legislation to ensure we can broaden the scope of this project for anyone over the age of 12?
I absolutely accept the Deputy's bona fides in relation to this as well. As I said previously in relation to other matters, we want the best outcome here. We want to be very sure and assured of the young people whose cases were closed. There is a specific issue around those who "aged out", to use that phrase, which I do not like, in terms of the sharing of information from Tusla's point of view. I would be very keen to ensure we would find a means to address that cohort of 18,000. I do not have the legal mechanism at the moment but I will rely on the expert advice of the Attorney General. I have spoken to him. We have engaged with him. That engagement is ongoing. He sees it as a priority as well. I know it is a priority for the chair, Tanya Ward, and the steering group as well. I absolutely assure the Deputy, if we can find the legal mechanism to do this, we will do it. I think it would be in the best interests of everyone. The Attorney General is working on that.
I thank the Minister for that update. I hear sincerity in her response and I give her my assurance that, from a Social Democrats perspective, whatever we can do to support the Government in trying to seek that legislative change in this instance, I think it would be really important. If we are going to do it, why not do it right in this instance in respect of 12-year-olds and 13-years-olds who experienced lockdown going through a very troubling transition between primary school and secondary school? It was a really troubled time. We need to hear from them in this process. Whatever we can do to support that, we will. I reiterate my thanks and commendation to those involved in this project because it is a significant undertaking. We have heard about the IT specialties that are required, the access to information and challenges. Before it even gets under way in real detail, I look forward to the recommendations that will come from this project in terms of future learnings for institutions of the State to make sure we have accurate information but also appropriate services to follow up. I look forward to further updates on this from the Minister and her Department as this project progresses.
I assure the Deputy that I am confident that learnings will come out of this, particularly cross-departmental, almost like eyes on a child and knowing where a child is at a given time, to support the child, in the best interests of the child.
Some €3.2 million has been made available to support the work of this well-being check project. I have been receiving regular updates on the work of the steering group from the chair.
The Deputy will be aware also of the press release that issued, I think, last week, which provided the public with details. I appreciate that Ms Ward and the team made themselves available to the Deputy as well because it is very important that here within the House there is an understanding of what is happening with the project. It was important that something would issue to the general public as well because the general public are interested too.
We will continue to support Tusla in the work it does. The chair is independent. I respect that independence and am happy for her to proceed as she deems necessary.
Question No. 95 taken with Written Answers.
Childcare Services
96. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to consider whether Laois will be given one of the first directly State-led, publicly-owned childcare facilities she announced on 21 January 2026 as Laois is one of the fastest growing counties in terms of population; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13846/26]
I ask the Minister to give full consideration for Laois to be given one of the first directly State-led, publicly owned childcare facilities. I say that in welcoming the new scheme that was announced on 21 January. Laois is one of the fastest growing counties in terms of population outside of Dublin, and there is real pressure on childcare places.
I appreciate the Deputy raising this. It is an issue of huge interest right across the country, including in his constituency.
Improving access to quality and affordable early learning and childcare is a key priority for the Government. Early learning and childcare capacity is increasing. Data from the annual early years sector profile shows that the estimated number of enrolments increased by 25% over the past three years. That is quite a significant increase. However, it appears that demand for early learning and childcare remains higher than available supply in certain parts of the country, particularly for younger children. That is the real issue, that there are certain areas across the country where there is a dearth of provision.
I recently announced €135 million in capital investment in buildings for high-quality, accessible State-led early learning and childcare, which I know is the Deputy's key issue. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for this Government - never before done by Government, actually.
Capital funding will be used to acquire and fit out buildings. This is a case of "and-or", in fact, because in some instances it might just be the fit-out of the building, depending on requirements. There will be a particular focus in the new State-led facilities on providing places for children between one and three years old, because this is where the need is greatest, with scope for these children to progress in the service until they start school. The aim of delivering additional supply of this type in suitable locations will include both rural and urban areas that are presently not well served. Additional supply in areas of disadvantage is another priority because early learning can have positive impacts on children at risk of disadvantage. Another factor to consider is the need to rebalance supply in some areas where there is a high concentration of private supply but very low levels of community childcare.
A suite of appraisal tools has been developed, including a forward planning model, in order to select projects that align with these objectives. Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year and the State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030 using the €135 million provided for in the national development plan.
As outlined, there is a chronic shortage of spaces in the county, including for one- to three-year-olds. We have the private model, but we are over-reliant on that. It has weaknesses in the context of having to have separate leases or ownership of buildings, separate insurance, separate administration and payrolls, etc. While many are providing a good service, there are weaknesses. There are also shortages. There are no all-day spaces in Stradbally or Mountrath, and there are shortages in larger towns like Portlaoise, Mountmellick, Portarlington and Graigue and smaller towns like Rathdowney, Mountrath, Durrow, Abbeyleix and Stradbally. Some of what becomes available is unaffordable. I received a letter this week from one couple who live near to me, who said they were offered a space for €1,430 per month in one provider that is hundreds of yards from my house. The crèche wanted a €450 deposit within 48 hours, which they were not able to come up with. They lost the place, and that woman could not go back to work. That shows the pressure on just the market-led ones. We need that Government scheme. We have the fastest growing population. I know the Minister has announced the purchase of eight or nine buildings. Everyone will be looking for them, but Laois has a strong case.
I appreciate the case the Deputy makes. The purpose here is, in the first instance, to acknowledge that there is excellent provision by private providers and community providers. Notwithstanding that, there are still areas where there is an absence of provision. The purpose of the State-led services is to complement what is already there and to step in proactively where there is not provision. I hear the case the Deputy makes for his constituency. There is a capital steering group in place in the Department. The Department is assessing sites and buildings and, where required, will seek expressions of interest from operators to deliver these State-led services. The emphasis for 2026 is on the purchase of buildings but we also have provision for some instances where we will build. However, in 2026, the emphasis will be on purchasing or fitting out a building. All areas will be considered. Eight is eight, but we will be hoping to grow that in the coming years.
According to the childcare committee in the county, Portlaoise needs four full-day facilities. Portarlington needs one, as do Mountmellick, Mountrath, Graiguecullen, Rathdowney, Abbeyleix, Durrow and the Cullahill area. The pilot of eight to nine is obviously welcome. It is a small start. We could put all eight or nine in Laois, but I urge the Minister to put at least one or two there. The current model is not able to match the growth in population in the county. We are behind other European states that have private provision. As the Minister said, a lot of those providers are going good work - I would not take from that - but other European states also have strong state-led childcare systems. We do not have that in this country. The Minister is right in that this is a groundbreaking initiative, which I certainly welcome and will fully support. However, it costs €1,430 per month to mind a child. The wages in our area do not come up high enough for people to pay that sort of money. That woman has no childcare facilities now to allow her to return to work. The couple are in rented accommodation as well and we know the pressures that brings. Rents are sky high in the area. It is a huge issue, and I ask that the Minister's officials look around County Laois and contact the local county council and estate agents to see if a property can be secured for it.
I thank the Deputy. As for how we are progressing, the first port of call is the local childcare committee, and we ask people to engage there. It can then engage further with the Department. I do not at all take away from the case the Deputy is making.
We are very conscious of the costs of childcare. The premise of core funding is where fees were frozen. In return for that, operators were given core funding. The national childcare scheme is supporting parents by providing reduced costs but, again, more work needs to be done. The Deputy knows we have a target of €250 per week to be achieved by the end of this Government term. We are working on that. We have increased core funding year on year. The national childcare scheme is available to parents. We also introduced fee caps last year and we will be doing likewise this year. We are working towards the €250 per week.