Ballinacurra Weston in Limerick is one of the most disadvantaged areas in this State. This time last year, the Minister, Deputy Calleary, acknowledged it was an area forgotten by the State and that it now has Government support. He made those comments while visiting Our Lady of Lourdes Community Centre. That same centre is now facing the daunting task of telling local families there are no early childcare places for their children. We are not just talking about a few families but, rather, 214 children on a waiting list who are unable to access early childcare places in Our Lady of Lourdes early years service. While staff are busy preparing for September, there are no playschool places available at all. The stark reality facing many families is that the majority of local children will not have access to integrated early years education and family supports, and parental choice simply does not exist. Staff in the area are having to tell families they have no place for their child. Early intervention, as the Taoiseach knows, particularly in more disadvantaged areas, is critical to child development.

I ask the Taoiseach to ensure that local demand will be met------

The Taoiseach to respond.

-----or will Ballinacurra Weston once again be forgotten by Government?

The Deputy's time is up.

Is it that the existing service has been closed?

No, the waiting list has 214 children on it. It is completely overwhelmed.

I will raise the matter with the Minister to see if any intervention can occur there.