Eager to assuage doubts in the minds of concerned parents in the Republic, Children's Minister, James Reilly, has assured the public that there were will be enough preschool places provided in both 2016 and 2017.
Despite his assurances, however, the Minister acknowledges that the coalition's recent decision to double free childcare hours to two years will result in some challenges in this regard.
While commenting on the need to offer incentives to providers in order to participate in the programme, the Minister asserted that he believes the restoration of capitation rates should encourage preschool providers to expand.
Speaking to the Dáil, Mr. Reilly explained: "Every year a significant number of new pre-school providers apply to participate in this program and this increased demand for additional investment in pre-school provision should encourage a greater number of applicants."
Elaborating on the matter, he continued: "The restoration of capitation rates to pre-2012 levels from September 2016 should also encourage a greater number of new applicants and encourage existing preschool providers to expand."
As it stands, 67,000 places are currently on offer, however it is understood that by the year 2017, 127,000 places will be required.
