Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 May 2020
866. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when promised childcare for front-line workers will be provided; and if the facilitation of spouses of frontline workers working in public service to be offered paid leave to care for their children has been ruled out. [7475/20]
View answerThe Deputy will be aware that the Temporary Childcare Scheme for Essential Health Workers was cancelled on the 13th May.
My primary focus now, and that of my Department, is to work towards the significant challenges of a phased reopening of early learning and childcare facilities for 29th June, in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.
Identifying essential workers, as referred to by the Deputy, is part of the wider Government effort to ensure that society and businesses are re-opened in a carefully managed and safe manner.
The facilitation of paid leave for public service employees is not a matter for the DCYA. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER) have circulated Guidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19. This includes guidance in relation to facilitation of essential health workers.
