Vol. 495 No. 4
434 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Education and Science the total childcare budget for VTOS students; the way in which this is allocated; the funding, if any, which is available for the provision of cre che facilities in areas of disadvantage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20470/98]
A provision of £2.7 million has been made available by my Department in the financial years 1998 and 1999 for the provision of child care facilities for participants in the vocational training opportunities scheme, youthreach, and senior traveller training programmes. This funding has been allocated to vocational education committees on foot of joint applications from vocational education committees and area based partnerships. A flexible approach has been adopted under which the funds can be used for direct provision of cre che facilities, including staffing, overheads and refurbishment; purchase of places on existing cre ches, subject to a maximum of £50 per week per child for full sessions, and pro rata adjustments for shorter sessions; and payment to childminders subject to the same maxima, subject to appropriate invoicing arrangements, compliance with registration requirements under the Child Care Act and satisfactory implementation of tax clearance arrangements. This investment is complemented by investment in child care services by area development management and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
