Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 March 2018
904. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the projects mentioned in the National Development Plan 2018-2027 that come under her Department's remit or bodies under its aegis; and the estimated completion dates for each project in tabular form. [12984/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe most significant element of the National Development Plan (NDP) for my Department relates to the need for future expansion of childcare places due to multiple factors, such as demographics, labour force trends and current supply levels.
There is a recognised need for large-scale, multi-annual capital investment in childcare over the period of the NDP and an additional €250million is targeted for this purpose. Increasing the proportion of children who have access to high-quality early years care and education is one of the cornerstones of the forthcoming 10-year cross-Governmental Early Years Strategy. Officials in my Department are currently examining possibilities for a multi-annual capital programme for childcare as well as research on existing capital holdings and future capital needs of the sector, at national and local levels. Once gathered, this data will be used to inform large-scale, targeted capital investment in childcare.
In addition to childcare, the NDP notes that further capital investment is required to support continued investment in Tusla, Oberstown Children Detention Campus and Youth Services.
At this point in time it is not possible to identify specific projects with completion dates spanning the period of the NDP.
