Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 5

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

John Perry

Question:

341 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Education and Science when the grant fund of £5 million for after school youth projects will be made available; if he will provide details on the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14355/00]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods):

I assume the Deputy is referring to the allocation of £5 million which was provided in the 1999 budget to provide grants to schools that set up and run after school child care services. My Department is currently formulating details of a scheme for an after schools support service in consultation with the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs which has also been allocated £5 million to support community based groups to develop after school child care services in disadvantaged areas.

It is envisaged that my Department's scheme will be confined to schools in disadvantaged areas. In the case of the primary sector, schools will be selected on the basis of criteria being developed by the educational research centre for the new more targeted child centred programme which I am introducing following a survey of all primary schools. The grant to each school would cover the cost of a co-ordinator and other personnel and would include other operating costs such as insurance, heating and lighting. It is envisaged that this scheme will be operational in the schools selected by September next.