Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 April 2013
566. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will outline the progress being made in relation to the development of infrastructure for after school services; the extension of subsidies for after school services and raising quality standards; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18813/13]
View answerAs part of Budget 2013 I, together with my colleague, the Minister for Social Protection, was pleased to announce a new School Age Childcare initiative which will be targeted at low-income parents availing of employment opportunities. The initiative is expected to receive funding of €14 million to provide, in a full year, in the region of 6,000 after-school places for children attending primary school, in order to support parents to take up employment.
Lack of access to affordable, quality childcare is a significant barrier to many low income and disadvantaged families seeking to avail of work opportunities. This initiative will provide an important support measure to enable parents to avail of these opportunities. This is in line with the Government's overall strategy to support parents of low income families to take up employment. Preparations are well advanced for the introduction of a pilot project in a small number of locations with the national roll-out of the programme planned for September this year. The pilot programme will assist both Departments in determining the procedural, quality and practical issues that require attention prior to the finalisation of the programme. Service providers seeking to join the programme can apply to participate, with effect from September 2013, in the normal manner.
As you know the emphasis now in relation to all childcare support programmes is the delivery of easily accessible, affordable and quality childcare provision. The pilot phase of the programme will be evaluated to establish if the programme meets this objective and, if necessary, to identify areas where corrective action is required.
