Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 27 Oct 1994

Vol. 446 No. 5

Written Answers. - Child Care Facilities.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

93 Ms F. Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the extent to which the need for the development of child care facilities has been taken into account in the development of programmes within his Department; the amount of money that will be spent on child care projects over the next three years in the areas under his responsibility; and if he has satisfied himself that priority has been given to the development of such child care facilities. [2436/94]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. Quinn)

There is provision in the Human Resources Operational Programme currently being finalised to support the establishment of creche facilities for pre-school children and afterschool provision for older children. There will be an initial focus on the needs of mothers in areas of identified disadvantages. This addresses one of the main obstacles preventing women from re-entering the education system or the labour market.

Child care training is being developed to meet the increased demand for child care workers. Under management training measures being proposed in the Programme, experienced and qualified child care workers will be trained in order to develop the pool of people with the skills needed to manage a child care facility.

FÁS supports the direct provision of child care facilities by local groups through the Community Employment programme. Through its Community Training programme it can also support the physical establishment/refurbishment of community based child care facilities by providing labour and supervision. The availability of these facilities assists individuals in local communities to access training, educational and employment opportunities.

FÁS is also involved in the provision of child care training.

Data is not available on the level of funding involved in these activities. However, it is expected that the current level of assistance will continue in the coming years.

While there is still some way to go in developing child care facilities, recognition of the need to do so is now an integral consideration in the development of my Department's programmes.