Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 3

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

59 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Education and Science when VTOS child care payments will be paid for the year 2003-2004; if they will cover the full academic year; if they are scheduled to be made again in the 2004 to 2005 period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30965/03]

Brian O'Shea

Question:

117 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Education and Science the number of vocational education committees that have received supplementary allocations to allow them to maintain child care services that were facing cuts as a result of the 37% reduction in the budget allocated to them for the provision of child care for persons on VTOS, Youthreach and senior Traveller schemes; the average amount allocated to each VEC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30923/03]

Minister for Education and Science (Mr. N. Dempsey):

I propose to take Questions Nos. 59 and 117 together.

My Department provides funding to vocational education committees to assist towards the child care expenses of participants in VTOS, Youthreach and senior Traveller centre programmes. As many as 27 vocational education committees requested special assistance by way of additional funding in respect of 2003 for their child care services. They were asked to indicate their minimal requirements to maintain the service.

The final instalment of the child care budget for the calendar year 2003 has been paid to all vocational education committees. Supplementary allocations, on average €74,000, have also issued to the vocational education committees in question. At present my Department and the Irish Vocational Education Association are discussing child care supports for 2004.