I propose to take Question Nos. 228 to 230, inclusive, together. Following discussions between the then Minister for Labour and AnCO, the Council of AnCO decided to provide, on a pilot basis, a creche for the staff of the Department of Labour, AnCO and other associated bodies. The council took this decision subject to the approval of the then Minister which was given in October 1986, though formal sanction would not normally be required for such a project. Similar facilities are provided by a number of employers in the public sector for the children of members of their staffs.
The start up costs of the creche were borne by AnCO. No payments have been made towards these costs by my Department. I understand that parents using the facilities pay charges in the normal way.
The then Minister took the view that use of the premises as a creche for children of the staff of the Department of Labour, AnCO and its other associated bodies did not require planning permission. In September 1986 he sent details of the proposal to the planning department of Dublin Corporation for information.
As I indicated, this is a pilot project and it will be evaluated by AnCO before the lease expires in September 1987. I see the future of the creche as a matter primarily for AnCO. I would expect them to have regard to all relevant considerations including the views of local residents in reaching a decision. Management of the creche is a matter for AnCO; the other matters raised in the questions related to day to day aspects of the running of the creche.