Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2014
686. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will ensure more funding is provided to a centre (details supplied) in Dublin 17; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19643/14]
View answer704. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason an excellent child care service in Darndale, Dublin 17 is to close due to lack of funds; and if she will support a centre (details supplied) as a matter of priority. [19696/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 686 and 704 together.
The Child and Family Agency was notified in March 2014 of financial difficulties being experienced by Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Ltd. A number of meetings have since taken place between senior management of the Agency and the centre and these discussions are ongoing. In order to alleviate cash flow difficulties experienced by the Centre, the Agency decided, as a short term measure, to prepay two months of the 2014 funding allocation to the centre. This will allow for a more comprehensive analysis to be undertaken with a view to determining a longer term solution.
Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Ltd has a number of funding streams including the Child and Family Agency, my Department, the Department of Social Protection and fees from parents. Total funding to the centre in 2013 amounted to over €1.9m.
The Agency is committed to finding a solution to the current funding difficulties and I wish to assure the Deputy that every effort will be made to ensure that the situation is dealt with expeditiously.
