Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 29 Jun 2000

Vol. 522 No. 4

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

Joe Higgins

Question:

136 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will have investigations made into the case of the Blakestown full-day child care service which will be forced to discontinue its full-day programme on 30 June 2000 if resources are not allocated to the centre for the employment of a fully qualified staff member under the terms of the Childcare (Pre-School Services) Regulations, 1996. [18946/00]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

My Department has been in touch with the Northern Area Health Board in relation to the funding of Blakestown full-day child care service and I understand that the board has agreed to fund the service until December 2000. I am also advised by the board that the sponsors of the Blakestown project are making an application for funding to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme, 2000-2006.