Vol. 545 No. 1
174 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance if, further to Parliamentary Question No. 280 of 16 October 2001, he will give specific details of the way in which the provider assists part-time staff who are looking for crèche partners; and his views on whether private crèche providers cater for part-time workers by charging part-time crèche rates. [29629/01]
The Mount Street crèche is operated by the Civil Service crèche co-operative. I have made substantial public funds available to assist the co-operative to refurbish and equip the premises and to operate the crèche. For the past year or so, a private sector company has been engaged by the co-operative to provide child care services in the Mount Street crèche. The care being provided for children in Mount Street by the co-operative and the company involved is of the very highest standard, while the rates charged to parents are below those in other crèches of a similar quality.
As I explained in my answer to the Deputy's previous question, the viability of the crèche depends on a weekly rate being charged in respect of each place. Where places are taken by the children of part-time staff, the remaining period must also be used by other part-time staff. I understand the co-operative and the operator make every effort to find a partner for staff. In particular, the operator maintains a list of part-time staff who may wish to use the crèche and who can be contacted.
