I raise the lack of childcare in north Kildare, where there is a growing population. Will the Minister provide an update on State-led childcare, which is desperately needed to address the shortages in towns like Kilcock, Maynooth and Naas? I get multiple emails each week from people who are struggling to get childcare in their areas and want to get back into the workforce. Many of them are mothers who are sacrificing their own careers. Often, both parents are struggling in this situation. I welcome that the State is for the first time pushing towards introducing State-led childcare frameworks. I ask for a timeline on delivery and that a town like Kilcock could be set out as a pilot. I know Kilcock is very dear to the Minister's heart. It is close to her own area. She will know at first hand the issues and the experience in a town like it.

We have towns and villages that have seen significant growth in recent years, but where the provision of services has not matched it. The Deputy mentioned Kilcock in particular. There are a lot of young families where both parents are working. We need to make sure we provide support for them through childcare so they can continue in their work. As he said, some of Kilcock is in my constituency so I am very aware of the challenges and concerns that parents have. He mentioned that we as a Government and our party, Fine Gael, advocated strongly before coming into government for a State-led childcare scheme that would fill the gaps where we do not have services, where it is not possible for private providers to expand or grow, and where we need to see investment in particular areas with strong growth. The building blocks extension grant scheme is currently operating to try to support extension of existing premises and, in the case of community operators, the purchase or construction of new buildings. In addition, earlier this year the Minister launched a new programme of investment in State-led early learning and childcare.

Thank, you Minister.

Under the early learning and childcare capital programme, the Government and Department will select up to eight facilities a year.

I call Deputy O'Rourke.

I will ask in my engagement with the Minister for these areas to be identified as there is large population and family growth-----

Thank you, Minister. I call Deputy O'Rourke.

-----in the areas the Deputy mentioned, such as Kilcock. However, I do not have a specific timeline for that.