Vol. 495 No. 6
124 Mr. Farrelly asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide sufficient funds for the existing pre-school playgroup providers who are playing a vital role in supporting families within their communities following the introduction of the Child Care Act, 1991 the amount of funding he will allocate to this sector following his discussions on budget allocations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20914/98]
Health boards provide financial supports to certain pre-school services which cater for children who are regarded as being at risk or disadvantaged. This function is in keeping with the board's overall responsibilities under the Child Care Act, 1991, in regard to the promotion of the welfare of children and provision of family support services. The policy of supporting certain pre-school services will continue in the future.
The Deputy will be aware that an expert working group on childcare has been established under Partnership 2000. The group under the auspices of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, is currently examining the provision of a co-ordinated national framework for the development of a childcare infrastructure, including the need for additional resources. The group is due to finalise its report in December 1998.
