Directly elected mayor and childcare legislation
Deputy Quinlivan pressed for legislation and an election for Limerick's directly elected mayor, and Deputy Bruton sought the childcare capital programme and authority legislation. The Tánaiste said he would return with a timeline on the mayor Bill, and Minister O'Gorman outlined childcare capital funding, a coming capital call, a sector working group, and ongoing childcare legislation.
I am sorry. I will have to come back to the Deputy in respect of that. It is my understanding that the legislation was progressing-----
Comment on this
It has been four years and we have not seen it.
Comment on this
We need a commitment from the Government on that.
Comment on this
I thank Deputy Bruton for the question. Some €45 million is provided for under the national development plan for capital investment in childcare. It will be available in 2025 and 2026. This summer, we hope to make the call for capital for 2025. That call will be coming out this summer.
In terms of the legislation on the childcare agency, a working group is now coming together which is bringing together elements of the sector to work to advance that legislation. Finally, in terms of expanding capacity and giving more options to parents, the childcare (amendment) Bill is currently going through pre-legislative scrutiny. That will bring childminders into the regulatory framework and will allow parents who use childminders to avail of the national childcare scheme, NCS, support. This relates to all parents in the choices they make for childcare.