Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 June 2014
707. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will provide a list of child care providers who are in receipt of a grant under the early childhood care and education scheme from his Department; the amount paid to each of them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27395/14]
View answerThe Early Childhood Care and Education programme was introduced in January 2010, and provides a free pre-school year to all eligible children before commencing primary school. Approximately 68,000 children are availing of the provision in the current pre-school year. The programme is expected to cost about €175m in the current year, including the cost of administration.
A table that lists the service providers participating in the Early Childhood Care and Education programme in the current pre-school year, and the total amount of funding each one has received to date is being forwarded directly to the Deputy. The funding represents capitation payments for each eligible child enrolled in the service during the period September 2013 to June 2014.
