The programme for Government recognises the need to work in partnership with private childcare providers to make core funding work as well as taking the critical step into State-led childcare. The three main issues the Government needs to tackle are staffing, accessibility and affordability. The truth, as the Tánaiste knows, is that reliance on the private sector alone will never deliver the childcare capacity we need in communities, which is essential for workforce participation by women and equitable access to early learning and care. On May Day of all days, we also need to adequately recognise the role of our childcare workers. Does the Tánaiste have an update on the action plan in the programme for Government to build an affordable and accessible early childhood education and care system that includes State-led facilities, must be based on partnership, including with our experienced and trusted providers, but must also be bold in ambition?

I fully agree with the Deputy's description of what needs to happen. The word "partnership" is really important. We have such good examples of childcare providers across the country. We also have significant gaps in provision. I meet people who are frustrated when they hear we have reduced the cost of childcare. They say, "That is great but I cannot get a place". Cost and access, along, of course, with quality, really do matter. There are 21 commitments in the programme for Government in regard to childcare. The Minister, Deputy Foley, is looking at how we can bring forward the action plan. This is an absolute priority for the Government and it will require public intervention, that is, State intervention, starting with areas where there are particular gaps in service provision.