Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 3

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

Pat Carey

Question:

405 Mr. P. Carey asked the Minister for Education and Science whether a sum of money exists and has been put aside within his Department for expenditure on child care services particularly for students who return from unemployment to full time education; when he will be in a position to respond to the practical proposals submitted some considerable time ago by the City of Dublin Vocational Education Committee in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17993/97]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. Martin)

With assistance from the European Social Fund, £2.7 million will be spent on childcare services over the three years 1997, 1998 and 1999. This is intended to bring about a greater participation of women on certain educational programmes by facilitating access to child care services.

Guidelines are being drawn up at present for the distribution of vocational education committees of grants for child care for vocational training opportunities scheme and youthreach participants.