Question:
261 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the plans, if any, he has to provide affordable cre che facilities to parents to allow them to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10437/98]
Written Answers. - Child Care Facilities.
My Department is responsible for establishing and chairing an expert working group on childcare with a view to devising a national framework for the development of childcare facilities. The establishment of the expert working group arises from a commitment contained in the Partnership 2000 agreement para
5.7. The group is expected to complete its report by December 1998.
The expert working group is to develop a national framework, which integrates the various strands of the current arrangements, with the intention of developing and delivering quality childcare services in Ireland. There are 69 members in the group who represent a range of Departments, statutory bodies, non-governmental organisations and individuals who have expertise in the area of childcare.
The expert working group is currently considering a range of childcare issues including the financing of affordable and accessible childcare provision by a variety of means.
In February 1998 the Government approved an equal opportunities childcare programme initiative. The aim of this initiative is to provide support for local childcare projects in disadvantaged areas to assist those with family responsibilities who wish to avail of training, education and employment opportunities.
My Department has an allocation of £2.6 million in Exchequer and European Regional Development Fund funding for this programme in 1998. The money will be used to fund the following initiatives: capital infrastructure for childcare projects with a focus on equal opportunities and disadvantage; core funding for a selection of pilot childcare projects; and employer demonstration childcare initiative to stimulate employer interest and involvement in supporting equal opportunities childcare facilities.