Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 April 2017
378. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the grants available to child care providers such as the outdoor equipment grant; the restrictions that apply to these grants in terms of facilities eligibility; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19069/17]
View answerOn 20th March 2017 I announced the Early Years Capital programme for 2017 in three strands, as follows:
- Strand 1: Additional Places (€3 million total available – maximum €50,000 per grant);
- Strand 2: Building improvements and maintenance/refurbishment (€500,000 total available, maximum €20,000 per grant, Community childcare services only);
- Strand 3: Natural outdoor play area (€500,000 total available, maximum €5,000 per grant).
The application process opened on Friday 24th March and will close at 3pm on Friday 21st April.
Additionally, at the recent launch of the Action Plan for School Age Childcare I announced a separate €3 million in capital funding for services providing school age childcare. This capital scheme opened on Friday 7th April and will close on Friday 5th May. It will encourage expansion in the number of school age childcare places along with enhancements to quality.
In relation to the restrictions that apply to these grants in terms of facilities' eligibility I assume that the Deputy is referring to the threshold of 25 registered children per service. This number was chosen to provide smaller services with an opportunity to apply, particularly in light of the fact that the 2013 capital funding strand for outdoor play favoured larger services. Notwithstanding, approximately 2259 services remain eligible to apply for this level of funding. The largest quantum of funding, at €3 million, is open to all services.
I recognise that services who do not fall within the threshold will be disappointed - this is always the case with any threshold. If outdoor play is a priority for medium and larger services, I will revisit this in the context of the 2018 capital plan.
I am aware that Pobal has been speaking directly with the Deputy on this matter in recent weeks. Should the Deputy have any further queries, my officials and Pobal are available to assist.
