Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 8 Apr 1993

Vol. 429 No. 5

Written Answers. - Childcare Research Funding.

Liz McManus

Question:

52 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health if, with regard to the childcare allocation in the 1993 budget, he will provide an exact breakdown for each health board region; and if he will give details of the money available for the carrying out of research into childcare, as provided for under the Child Care Act.

Minister for Health (Mr. Howlin)

This year's budget provided special allocations for health initiatives in two areas — £20 million for action to reduce hospital waiting lists and an extra £8 million for services for people with disabilities.

In relation to the child care area, the 1993 allocations to the health boards include provision for the full year cost of the various new child care services initiated last year. The following is a breakdown of the expenditure involved:—

Health Board	£000
Eastern	750
Midland	120
Mid-Western	180
North-Eastern	180
North-Western	120
South-Eastern	220
Southern	250
Western	195

There are no specific funds available during the current year for research into child care related matters. However, in 1992 a number of health boards received special funding to undertake research into the adequacy of the child care and family support services available in their areas. Some of these research projects are ongoing.

As I have already indicated to this House, I intend to discuss with the Government the whole question of funding for the child care services when I receive the report of the investigation into the County Kilkenny incest case.