I look forward to supporting the campaign of Deputy Catherine Connolly, who did get the required signatures.

I have spoken to many parents in Kildare about a lack of childcare facilities. I have a question. In many new housing developments in Kildare, we are seeing empty-shell units of childcare facilities. It is no problem if the Minister does not have an answer now because I can follow up later. However, what are the Government's intentions in this regard? If and when a private unit is left empty for a significant period, whether that is 12 or 18 months, and it is not going to be a financially feasible private enterprise, how is the Government going to intervene to roll out its programme for Government commitments regarding a public model of childcare?

I thank the Deputy for raising the issue of childcare facilities in Kildare. If a premises is left vacant for a lengthy period, it is, in the first instance, an issue for the local authority in Kildare to assess what can be done. The Government has invested a considerable amount of money to fund childcare.

I am conscious that one of the issues is trying to identify appropriate properties for the provision of childcare facilities. I will certainly speak to the relevant Minister, Deputy Foley, in respect of it and on whether anything is available for Kildare. However, the local authority also has a big role to play in respect of it.