Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 May 1994

Vol. 443 No. 1

Written Answers. - Créche Facilities.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

29 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Equality and Law Reform if he intends to provide funding in order that Government Departments, State agencies, local authorities and other such authorities can provide créche facilities for staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Equality and Law Reform (Mr. Taylor)

The provision of childcare facilities in Government Departments and public bodies is primarily a matter for the employers and employees in individual employments.

I do not have funds to enable the bodies mentioned in the Question to provide créche facilities for their staff.

The one million pounds included in this year's estimate for my Department is intended to contribute to the cost of establishing, on a pilot basis, a limited number of innovative childcare measures in disadvantaged areas to assist people in these areas to participate in training, education and similar back to work courses which otherwise they would be unable to undertake.