I raised a question with the Tánaiste last week in respect of playschools facing closure in west Cork and throughout the country due to regulation enforcement. The Tánaiste promised to look into the issue if I furnished him with the details, which I did. Yesterday, Tusla informed me at a meeting that it was going to give an extension to these playschools until July 2020 to meet the regulations. I thank the Tánaiste and Tusla for any help they gave in this matter. I asked for two things last week if we are to save these preschools going forward. They are non-profit playschools run solely for the benefit of children. One request was for an extension of time, which has been given, and the other was grant aid. Would the Tánaiste help in getting the message across to the Minister that grant aid is urgently needed for these preschools?

Clearly, we need to keep community-based playschools open. Whether they are not-for-profit or privately-operated for a modest profit, the standards have to be consistent with those set out by Tusla. That is what this is ultimately about. We will, of course, assist if we can with the organisations that are trying to be compliant with the standards set out for them. I do not want to give any commitments on grant aid. That is ultimately a matter for a different Minister.