The announcement by the Government of the new childcare scheme is welcome. The idea is that the Government will buy or build childcare facilities, particularly in areas where there are shortages. It is a small start. Similar to a lot of Members of the House, I would like it to be a lot more expansive but it is a welcome start. It is reported that €177 million will be available over a five-year period and eight buildings will be bought or acquired in the first year. There is a desperate shortage of childcare and early years learning places in Laois. The 84 registered places in the county are full. Parents contact me to say that they cannot get a place for their child, particularly when it comes to full-day services because a lot of people in Laois are commuting. The following towns are short of services according to parents, providers and the childcare committee: Durrow, Abbeyleix, Rathdowney, Graiguecullen, Mountrath, Mountmellick, Portarlington and Portlaoise. Every town in the county needs them. We have had a population surge in the last 15 years which is going to continue according to the Government's plans. I am not against that, but we need more child places. My ask is for one of those eight premises to be designated in Laois. We need it desperately.

Sentiment score: 0.01

I am getting in first.

Sentiment score: 0.00