Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 5

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

158 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the severe difficulties that will be caused to the day nurseries as a result of the withdrawal of the Department of Social and Family Affairs crèche supplement; the discussions he had with the Department in this regard; if his Department should fund these nurseries because they provide a child welfare and protection service; if he will make a special allocation to the relevant health boards in order that funding can be increased from 90% to 100%; if he will give this matter his urgent attention because staff will be let go unless additional funding is secured and a valuable service will be lost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31895/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. B. Lenihan)

The provision of day nursery services referred to is the responsibility of the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the area health boards. It is a matter for the area boards to prioritise the allocation of funding to various projects having regard to the identified service needs and the financial resources available to the board in any given year.

At present three area boards provide funding to a range of nurseries and pre-school services providing day care and/or early pre-school education to children less than five years of age. The target groups are children who are considered vulnerable, living in a disadvantaged area or who are at risk of experiencing disadvantage.

At present the ERHA and area health boards, within the regional child care framework, are examining the financial resources and costs needed for a range of services for children and families, including pre-school services. On completion they will determine the full year costs and funding to be provided for the services. I have not had discussions with the Department of Social and Family Affairs on the matter.