Vol. 496 No. 7
57 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will provide details of the extent of financial assistance which his Department provides to day care services for children; the number of children catered for in these services; his views on the demand for quality day care services; the proposals, if any, he has for the future development of these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23964/98]
Health boards provide financial support to a range of day care services which cater for children who are regarded as being at risk or disadvantaged. These services include parent and toddler groups, community playgroups and drop-in centres. This function is in keeping with the boards 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 total budget for day care services funded by health boards is included in the global funding allocated for the strengthening of child care and family support services on an ongoing basis. The cost per year of day care services can vary considerably depending on a range of factors including the age of the child, the type of service, geographic location and any special arrangements needed. The health boards estimate that approximately 9,000 children are catered for in these services.
I should add that the Government is fully committed to expanding the availability of child care. In this regard an expert working group on child care 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 child care infrastructure. The group is due to finalise its report in December 1998.
