Child Care Services Provision

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 December 2016

Wednesday, 7 December 2016

Questions (287)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

287. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 215 of 23 November 2016, if she has consulted with the Data Protection Commissioner on PPSN use, data sharing provisions and changes to the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 that will be made in the new primary legislation proposed; if she will provide a description of the Data Protection Commissioner's views or recommendations; and if she has received approval from the commissioner to make these changes to data sharing that will be required. [38909/16]

Written answers

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

In order to make the application process for the Affordable Childcare Scheme as easy as possible for parents, it is intended that the means-testing will, in most cases, be carried out through an automatic link with income data held by the Revenue Commissioners and by the Department of Social Protection. However, parents will be able to appeal decisions and/or request a manual means test by the delegated scheme administrator, which will require the submission of documentary evidence of income and relevant deductible expenses. The use of the PPS number and data sharing across public bodies and agencies will be enabled and supported through legislation and formal data sharing agreements.

The primary legislation will take account of all necessary amendments to existing legislation, including any changes which may be required to the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2015. A national consultation process on the policy proposals for the scheme has just concluded. Further detailed consultation will take place with all relevant parties, as deemed necessary throughout the legislative development process.