Vol. 495 No. 1
409 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will provide financial assistance to Meath Vocational Educational Committee to establish a cre che facility at Beaufort College, Navan, County Meath, in view of the fact that an application for funding was made some months ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19413/98]
My Department recently sanctioned grants towards the cost of the provision of child care services for participants in VTOS, Youthreach and senior traveller training programmes. A letter has been sent to County Meath VEC confirming its approved allocation. The provision allows for direct provision of cre che facilities by the VEC, purchase of places on other cre ches or payment of allowances to registered child minders.
It was the original intention of County Meath VEC to run a PLC child care course in Beaufort College, Navan, this year, and to locate the cre che for VTOS, Youthreach and traveller participants in that centre. However, due to insufficient demand the child care course is not now taking place, and locating a cre che in the centre is no longer considered viable. The VEC is at present examining the scope for alternative child care arrangements.
