Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
595. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the assistance his Department can provide for a play group (details supplied) a service that faces closure due to its building being condemned as a result of the presence of defective concrete blocks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19436/24]
View answerI am aware of a service in Donegal with issues of Mica being found in the substructure of their building, and the service being told that they will have to close in June this year.
My Department works with Pobal and local CCCs to offer case management support to services in difficulty. Through this process, services may also access sustainability funding following an assessment of need. One strand of this funding can support a service with the cost of relocation. A strand of emergency capital for fit-out/renovation of premises or necessary maintenance is currently under development, although the eligibility criteria for this have not yet been finalised.
I have asked my Department, Pobal, who are the Core Funding Scheme Administrator, and the Donegal County Childcare Committee, to engage with the service’s management board and investigate possible relocation options for this service. A potential temporary location is currently under review for suitability and my Department has informed Pobal, that if this becomes a feasible option for the service, relocation supports and other accommodations such as a 4 day 41 week ECCE contract will be supported.
I am aware that Pobal and the Donegal County Childcare Committee are engaging with the service regarding their plan to communicate ongoing developments to parents and guardians.
My Department will engage with Pobal regarding this service and assist in funding a relocation through the Case Management and Sustainability process.
Donegal County Childcare Committee is also working on finding suitable alternative care for children in attendance, to ensure that if the service cannot relocate that there is minimal disruption to their care.
I must emphasise that the safety of children and staff is paramount, and I am assured that services effected by Mica, which are engaging with my Department and Pobal, have regular inspections by engineers and architects in order to ensure the safety of the building.
I would encourage any parent or guardian with concerns around this issue to contact their local City/County Childcare Committee, details of which can be found on www.myccc.ie.
