Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 November 2016
270. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the total amount of the child care budget for 2016 that is used to fund inspections; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36678/16]
View answerTusla has responsibility for the inspection of childcare services. Inspection is carried out to monitor compliance with the Child Care (Pre-School) (No 2) Regulations with the aim of ensuring the health, safety and welfare of children enrolled in pre-school services. Funding of €1.1m was provided from the childcare funding subheads of my Department in respect of these; however due to some administrative delays, this funding has not been fully drawn down to date.
The Department of Education and Skills also provides education-focused inspections of childcare providers.
Budget 2017 provided €1 million to enhance the level of inspection of child care services provided by Tusla and the Department of Education and Skills and my Department will be engaging with Tusla to facilitate the recruitment of additional inspectors in 2017.
In addition, Pobal carries out visits to childcare providers to ensure compliance with programme rules. Approximately €1.4m has been provided to Pobal in 2016 in respect of these visits.
