Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
1000. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on whether planning issues will arise from childcare providers having to extend their capacity through portacabins or modular buildings; if her Department has examined planning exemptions that may be necessary to provide swift solution for parents that need childcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8524/20]
View answerThe health, safety and well-being of children is of utmost importance. As such, buildings that are intended for the purpose of Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare must meet all regulatory compliance requirements, including planning requirements. It is important that we do not deviate from these safety measures even during these unprecedented times.
Expert guidance on the safe reopening of childcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic was published by the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) on Friday, 29 May. The guidance focuses on use of a “play pod” model which restricts interactions between closed groups of children and adults as an alternative to social distancing, on the basis that social distancing is not possible between young children.
Based on advice provided by the HPSC I do not propose to change the Regulations on either the adult-child ratios or the floor-space requirements for early learning and care or school-age childcare services as such changes are unnecessary where "play pods" are in use.
Services are now being asked to apply the guidance to their setting and determine what capacity they may offer. It is expected that a significant amount of capacity will be available in individual services that reopen in the summer, subject to, for example, their space, room layout and staffing availability.
The Tusla Early Years Inspectorate recently wrote to service providers to inform them of its intention to recommence Fit for Purpose inspections of services. This will allow new services to be registered and changes in circumstances for existing services to be approved prior to the reopening of services in late June.
My Department has also conducted research to assess the level of demand among parents for childcare services. Preliminary data has revealed that while 27% of parents were availing of centre-based care prior to restrictions, 13% of parents intend to use centre-based care once restrictions are lifted.
In the context of all of the above, there does not appear to be a need for relaxation of planning laws in relation to childcare facilities to address capacity or space issues at present. However, my Department will keep the matter under review as we prepare for reopening of services and through the early stages of the reopening.
