Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2017
1666. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of crèches that have signed the contract for the new universal child care subsidy; the number of contracts waiting to be processed by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37897/17]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that as of 7 September, 2,792 services are in contract to provide Community Childcare Scheme Plus (CCS Plus).
The Universal Provision along with the targeted provisions are provided under this arm of the Community Childcare Scheme.
This represents over 75% of eligible providers, based on the numbers of providers who have previously contracted with the Department (excluding those who only provide the ECCE scheme).
Any service who was previously in contract for any of my Department’s childcare schemes can renew their contract via an online system (“PIP”); this process is virtually instantaneous. The vast majority of providers are in this position.
A small number of providers are required to provide a paper based application to verify their eligibility; this verification includes a check that they have registered appropriately with Tusla as required under the childcare regulations. There are currently around 50 applications on hand with the Department, however as the applications are taken through the local City and County Childcare Committees there may be additional applications in process. My Department works to ensure that these applications are turned around as quickly as possible.
