Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 February 2017
648. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the irregular nature of payments under the ECCE scheme; if she will arrange for such payments to be made on a regular, monthly basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8569/17]
View answerThe payment calendar for the ECCE scheme is published in advance of the programme year and begins with an advance payment to services. This provides a balance between efficiency and certainty for providers on levels of payment. The 2017-18 payment calendar is currently under consideration and will be circulated to services well in advance of that programme year.
Provision of clear advance notice of a structured calendar informed by service need will ensure that services can put in place appropriate financial plans to maintain their services throughout the year.
