Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 October 2018
188. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to grant either retrospective funding or release future funding to a school (details supplied) in view of the exceptional circumstances in the case. [41546/18]
View answerMy Department operated a number of Capital Programmes in 2018 offering assistance under a number of categories covering increased capacity, essential maintenance and natural outdoor play areas. The Programme was launched earlier in the year and unfortunately the process has now concluded with the budget allocated in full. No further funding is anticipated to be made available this year.
However, the details and specification of 2019's Early Years Capital offering are being developed at present. As soon as these have been finalised, an announcement will issue to all childcare providers. Following this, I would encourage the service in question to submit an application for funding.
As regards the precarity of the service in question's current rental situation, I would encourage as a matter of urgency that they engage with their local County Childcare Committee (Meath CCC) and Pobal's Sustainability team should they be in danger of closure or re-location. There are a number of non-financial sustainability supports offered to services that are experiencing difficulties.
I regret that I cannot be of more assistance at this time. However, I wish the service in question the very best wishes now and in the future.
