108. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to increase the availability of afterschool childcare spaces. [65745/26]

Improving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is a key priority of Government. Early learning and childcare capacity is increasing. Data from the Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2024/25 shows that the estimated number of enrolments increased by approximately 25% from the 2021/22 programme year.

This is particularly the case with school age childcare services. Estimated enrolments in school-age childcare, based on Sector Profile data, have grown by 77% over the last three years.

There is evidence that demand for early learning and childcare remains higher than available supply in certain parts of the country, and this is particularly so for younger children.

The Department continues to support the ongoing development and resourcing of Core Funding which has given rise to a significant expansion of places since the scheme was first introduced. Core Funding funds services based on the number of places available.

This provides stability to services, and reduces the risk associated with opening a new service or expanding an already existing service.

Earlier this year, I announced €135 million of capital investment over the coming five years for State-led services to provide high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare. The potential for development of State-led facilities in tandem with the school building programme will be considered as part of the wider capital plans to develop State-led services.

The Department also funds 30 City/County Childcare Committees, which provide support and assist families and early learning and childcare providers. The network of 30 City/County Childcare Committees across the country can assist in identifying vacant places in services for children and families who need them and engage proactively with services to explore possibilities for expansion among services, particularly where there is unmet need.

Procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours are published by the Department of Education and Youth and provide support and encouragement to schools to make available buildings for community use including for early learning and childcare.

Parents experiencing difficulty in relation to their early learning and childcare needs should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee for assistance.