Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 October 2016
115. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs if she will amend the criteria pertaining to the Leader programme to include the provision of community child care facilities as potential eligible projects, since some rural areas lack preschool care places; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30041/16]
View answerFunding under the LEADER Programme is targeted at innovative approaches to addressing the needs of rural areas as identified in the Local Development Strategies prepared for each sub-regional area. The funding can be provided under a broad range of themes, including enterprise development and social inclusion. It is important, however, to ensure that the available funding is targeted at policy areas where it can provide the greatest added value.
Provision for community childcare is available through the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and the local County Childcare Committee. The Government has also announced increased support for childcare in Budget 2017. It is not, therefore, proposed to extend the LEADER Programme to include the provision of childcare facilities at present.
