We discussed the issue of insurance at length today, but specifically on childcare, on page 75 of the programme for Government it is stated that commitments on quality affordable childcare will be prioritised. Does the Taoiseach actually realise the scale of the issue we are facing now and this sector is facing? For example, last year, one crèche in Swords had an insurance premium of €729. This year it is €3,710. Six preschool providers in my area have said they will not open in January if this is not attended to. That means hundreds of childcare places, both preschool and after-school, that will not be available, and potentially thousands nationwide. Not only is this an insurance crisis, it is a childcare provision crisis. What specifically will the Taoiseach say to the Minister, Deputy Zappone, this afternoon? I was astonished that she said yesterday she was surprised this had come about. It should not be a surprise to anybody. What has been done and what can be done to let parents know they will have somewhere for their children to go after Christmas?

I call Deputy Thomas Byrne on the same issue. He does not have to repeat the points.

I have constituents in touch about insurance as well. On childcare, is the Taoiseach aware that houses are being developed across my constituency and there is no childcare available for parents, particularly in south County Meath? This is replicated in different parts of the country. Buggies are now being brought, with babies, on commuter trains into Dublin where there is not enough room for commuters. The Government has singularly failed to provide childcare. What is its response to this? Is it going to do something and make an emergency intervention apart from the crèches that will close because of the insurance issue?

If the Deputy has concerns about planning on Meath County Council, he should take it up with Meath County Council. Plenty of local authorities require that childcare facilities be provided as part of new major residential developments. If the Deputy had told me about it, I would have raised it with the Fianna Fáil mayor of Meath, whom I met only yesterday.

On childcare, we are trying to assess the scale of the problem. The issue only arose in the past 11 days when one of two insurers pulled out of the market. We are assessing the scale of the problem. We are very aware of the concerns that parents have that their crèche may close in the new year or they may face a major hike in fees.

The Minister is assessing the situation and we will discuss it further later today.