Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2016
811. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is aware of the lack of funding for a centre (details supplied) and the impact this is having on service provision; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20558/16]
View answerI am acutely aware of the difficulties the proposed closure of Larchville Lisduggan Childcare Centre will have on families who avail of the service and staff who work there. My Department has provided significant funding over the years to the service through various childcare schemes such as the free pre-school year, the Community Childcare Subvention, the various Training and Employment Childcare programmes and through some capital funding.
My Department, Waterford County Childcare Committee (CCC) and Pobal have been working with and supporting Larchville Lisduggan Childcare Centre since November 2014 when sustainability issues arose, primarily as a consequence of a reduction in funding from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency and operational matters within the Childcare Centre. In March 2016, following intensive developmental and support assistance from both Pobal and Waterford CCC to the service, the Board of Management advised Pobal and Waterford CCC that the service would close over the summer months to reduce costs. However, on 4th July 2016, Waterford CCC notified Pobal of the Larchfield Lisduggan's Board of Management's intention to close the service. Pobal subsequently received a letter from the Board of Management advising that, further to legal advice, the service would close and enter into liquidation. On hearing of this decision, Pobal and Waterford CCC immediately sought a meeting with the Board to offer further support in seeking alternative options for the service and the use of buildings.
My Department, Pobal and Waterford CCC will continue to work over the summer months with the Board of Management of Larchfield Lisduggan Childcare Centre to advance options for the families who avail of this service. All payments made for children attending the service can be reactivated and with the expansion of ECCE from this September, and CCS places still being available, an opportunity exists for a new provider to increase income generation.
