The Mount Street crèche is operated by the Civil Service crèche co-operative. In accordance with the Government's policy of providing increased child care facilities, substantial public funds have been made available to assist the co-operative in refurbishing the premises and running the crèche. For the past year a private sector company has been engaged by the co-operative to provide child care services in the Mount Street crèche. The care now being provided for children in Mount Street by the co-operative and the company involved is of the highest standard.
I have reviewed the position of part-time employees and I am satisfied that the present arrangement is reasonable. The financial position of the crèche depends on a weekly rate being charged in respect of each place in the crèche. Where places are taken by the children of part-time staff, it is essential to the viability and the future operation of the crèche that the remaining period is also used by other part-time staff. I know the provider assists part-time staff who are looking for crèche partners. The rates charged in the Mount Street crèche are below those in similar crèches.
