Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
1156. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the assistance that will be provided to small crèche owners to assist with filling out the necessary paperwork to avail of the TWSCS. [6854/20]
View answerThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented situation that has required a series of emergency responses from the Government.
I am acutely aware of the particular impact the pandemic and the emergency measures have had on the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) providers. I am also very conscious of the importance of the ELC and SAC sector for children’s positive development and in terms of supporting the economy as we move beyond this crisis.
Recognising this, I launched the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS) on 15 April. This scheme is a very significant measure to support the sector. The aim of the TWSCS is threefold:
- to support the sustainability of the ELC and SAC sector so that it is in a position to reopen after COVID-19;
- to provide parents with a reassurance that if their ELC and SAC provider signs up to the scheme, they are not required to pay fees during this COVID-19 crisis, and they will maintain their ELC / SAC place when services resume and
- to give Early Learning and Care practitioners security and to retain these vital Educators in the sector.
A range of supports are available to all participating service providers to assist them with the administrative requirements of the scheme. My Department and Pobal have produced how-to guides on completing the application form and calculating payroll amounts. My Department has also published extensive FAQs which contain details of the TWSCS, including information on the scheme’s practicalities.
Further assistance for participating providers is available from local City/County Childcare Committees and from Pobal’s Early Years Provider Centre. I would urge any service provider who has specific queries or needs assistance with the scheme’s requirements to get in touch with these bodies.
