Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 December 2012
163. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if discussions have taken place with Health Service Executive regarding the discontinuation of complementary funding supports to county childcare committees as a result of a refocus of role of the Child and Family Support Agency; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56136/12]
View answer164. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs in view of the proposed discontinuation of Health Service Executive complementary funding used to provide essential low cost and accessible continuing professional development opportunities and quality compliance supports for childcare staff through county childcare committees, the way in which these valuable supports will be provided at local level if HSE funding is discontinued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56137/12]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 163 and 164 together.
My Department provides annual funding to each CCC to enable it to support and advise all childcare providers at local level. In 2012, the total amount allocated to the CCCs was €11.3m.
I understand that there has been reduction in funding by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to City and County Childcare Committees in some areas. The HSE has, however, confirmed that it will endeavour to support the CCCs wherever possible. I have asked my Department to engage further with the Committees and the HSE and to provide a report to me on this matter.
My Department also provides annual funding, totalling €2.85m in 2012, to the seven National Voluntary Childcare Organisations, who provide support at a local level to their members.
