I appreciate the investment that has been made in early childcare. It has increased by about 40% in recent years, so it is quite a substantial investment. Unfortunately, as the Minister is well aware, we still have some of the highest childcare costs in Europe and we are second in the OECD countries. It is quite substantial and it is still quite a challenge for parents to try to meet. A recent Dublin Chamber of Commerce report found that nine out of ten businesses reported that the childcare crisis is a significant…

I acknowledge the Minister's comments on the investment and the work she is doing to try to address the issues in the system. However, there is one area I am not picking up on. The survey of parents is being done and that is very worthwhile, but I am particularly interested in the Minister's measures to try to engage with the existing providers about moving to a different model of childcare provision. The Minister has talked about trying to open up a public service basis and actually having services directly provid…

I was delighted to see in the programme for Government a commitment to develop a long-term strategy to address gender inequality in sport. In particular, we have an issue with retention rates among young people once they get to those teenage years. This is particularly acute among young women. What specific measures is the Taoiseach planning to take to address gender inequality and increase retention in sport among young women?

I thank the Minister of State for giving us time to discuss this very important issue. AI is something that is constantly talked about but I always find when I discuss it with constituents, there tends to be a mix of attitudes. Some people think it will be great and we will be able to save lots of time, while among others there is a mixture of fear and mostly uncertainty about how it will impact them and, as other speakers have highlighted, how it will impact people’s industries and jobs and their children’s future…

As this is my first time addressing the Dáil, I beg the indulgence of the Ceann Comhairle before I move to the substantive statement of the day. First, I thank the people of Dublin-Rathdown for their confidence in electing me to this Dáil. I thank in particular the residents of Clonskeagh, Kilmacud, Stillorgan, Mount Merrion, Leopardstown, Foxrock and Cabinteely who supported me not only in the general election but also in the local elections held earlier in the year. I also thank my friends, family and supporters …