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Child Care Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2011

Tuesday, 15 November 2011

Questions (521)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

535 Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is currently accepting new applications for the childcare education and training support programme; her plans for the programme for the remainder of 2011; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34136/11]

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Written answers

The Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme was introduced in September last year and is implemented by my Department, on behalf of FÁS and the Vocational Educational Committees (VECs).

Under the CETS programme funding is provided by my Department to participating childcare services in return for the provision of free childcare places to qualifying students and trainees. The maximum weekly capitation fee payable under the programme is €170 for a full-time childcare place with reduced amounts for parents availing of part-time or after-school care. The eligibility criteria under which students and trainees qualify under the programme is determined by FÁS and the VECs.

Some 2,800 full-time equivalent childcare places are currently provided for under the programme and demand has increased very significantly from earlier this year, with the number of places funded exceeding 3,000 at one stage. The number of places allocated at present is at the limit provided for under the programme, as agreed with the Department of Finance in 2010, and it is not proposed to increase the number of places in the programme at this time.

It is not anticipated that the number of qualified parents on courses will increase over the year, and so it is hoped that where a given number of parents commence short-term courses and require CETS places, they will, in the main, be replacing other parents completing similar courses, and be in a position to avail of CETS places that become available. According to the figures available to my Department, some 15% of CETS places will become available for re-allocation between now and the end of next month, and the local City and County Childcare Committees will assist my Department in matching these places with parents seeking them.

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