Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 November 2018
984. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the estimated cost of awarding a 10% increase in the capitation grant per child to naíonraí in which all staff have achieved their teastas Eorpach Gaeilge or a similar Irish language qualification. [45706/18]
View answerMy Department does not track Irish Language qualifications awarded to staff in Naonraí and hence would not be in a position to estimate the cost per child of a 10% increase in the capitation paid.
Higher Capitation rates are available to all services for the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme provided the conditions of eligibility outlined below are met:
i. A Room Leader with a qualification recognised as meeting the minimum requirements for ECCE “Higher Cap” as set out on the published list of ‘Early Years Recognised Qualifications’ (or otherwise be deemed eligible by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs)
ii. the same Room Leader has a minimum of three years’ paid experience working in the childcare sector;
iii. the regulatory adult to child ratio is met;
iv. if a room assistant is required in the Higher Capitation room, this assistant must hold a full and relevant qualification that meets the minimum regulatory standards;
v. Staff who have signed ‘Grandfathering’ declarations are not eligible for Higher Capitation.
