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Wednesday, 3 Jun 2020

Written Answers Nos. 1004-1028

Childcare Services

Questions (1004)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Question:

1004. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that a childcare provider has indicated that no provision of physical comfort to children will be a condition of returning to its childcare service; her views on such guidance; if such advice has emanated from her Department; and her views on the effect such provision would have on the children being cared for. [8595/20]

View answer

Written answers

On Friday 1 May, the Government released its Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which sets out Ireland's plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions through five phases. The re-opening of Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (ELC and SAC) services will be guided by this framework and will be underpinned by the Government's Return to Work Safely Protocol, expert advice, available evidence and consultation with ELC and SAC stakeholder representatives and providers themselves.

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 recommends 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 and is not appropriate when adults are caring for young children.

I have been engaging intensively with a number of organisations representing the childcare sector, through an Advisory Group. A range of additional guidance and resources to assist the sector to prepare for reopening are currently being prepared and will start to issue in the coming days and continue over the remaining weeks before opening.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (1005)

Michael McGrath

Question:

1005. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to the impact of Covid-19 on the early years sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8602/20]

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Written answers

The 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 early education providers. I am also very conscious of the importance of the early education and childcare sector, particularly in the context of the current conditions and with a view to supporting the economy as we move beyond this crisis.

Recognising this, the Temporary Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme was launched on 15 April.

To support the Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare sector during COVID-19 closures, I announced plans on 25 March for the development for this Scheme.

The aim of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme is threefold:

- to support the sustainability of the Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare Sector so that it is in a position to reopen after COVID-19;

- to provide parents with a reassurance that they are not required to pay fees during this COVID-19 crisis, while providing them with reassurance that they will maintain places for their children; and

- to give Early Learning and Care Educators security and retain these vital Educators in the sector.

To achieve this, the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme will provide funding towards a portion of staff wages and services overhead costs. Details of how to sign up have been made available through the Pobal programme platform used by childcare providers.

Clearly the sector experienced considerable anxiety and stress on March 12 when closures were announced. To alleviate this, I had directed that the programme payments (including ECCE (free pre-school) and the National Childcare Scheme) continue on an ex-gratia basis, despite services being closed until the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme was up and running.

Payments for those schemes continued until last Friday 10 April 2020 and reflect the amount that would have been expected by services, based on current child registrations and the calendars submitted by the service to Pobal on or before the closure of services on 12 March 2020. Whilst many services would benefit from the continuation of these ex gratia payments, many other services which relied more heavily on parental income were extremely exposed with the loss of this income stream.

It was important to move to this new temporary funding model which repurposes existing monies to support the multiplicity of childcare provider types with varying ratios of state income and parental contribution. For example, had the schemes such as ECCE remained as they were, services in receipt of 90-100% of their income from the State would have managed during the closure period, but those with much less would have been very severely impacted. This could have resulted in permanent closure and loss of precious capacity post-COVID.

The Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme is available to all of the 4000 plus services that were contracted to my Department on March 12 and builds on the wider provisions by Government. It also recognises the unique place and importance of the childcare sector.

Details regarding the mechanics of the scheme are addressed in a comprehensive set of FAQs that have been published on the DCYA website and shared with providers. The Pobal Service Provider Centre is also available to respond to queries.

My Department has made considerable investment in the sector in recent years. I want to preserve the fruits of this investment and I want to ensure that early education and childcare places are still there for parents when these difficult times pass.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (1006)

Michael McGrath

Question:

1006. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the response of her Department to Covid-19 in relation to the childcare sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8616/20]

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Written answers

I note that in her correspondence, the Deputy’s constituent refers to the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment, stating her understanding that she is ineligible for this due to her age. It is also the understanding of my Department that this is the case, but, this is under the remit of the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and I would refer the Deputy to that Department for further information.

However, I do wish to clarify that the Deputy’s constituent can apply for support for her service under my Department’s Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS).

The TWSCS supplements Revenue’s Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme in two ways. One of these ways is to provide greater subsidies for wages, which an owner/operator who is not paid a wage therefore cannot directly benefit from; their staff however may be able to receive the benefit of the subsidy. Additionally, the TWSCS also provides top-up funding to support non-deferrable overhead costs. This funding is calculated at 15% of wage costs, with a minimum amount of €300 per week awarded if 15% of wage costs is lower. An owner/operator who is neither eligible for the Covid-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment or the Revenue’s Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme may still be able to access this overhead payment under the TWSCS. I hope that this measure will provide some support to the Deputy’s constituent during these extraordinary times.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (1007)

Michael McGrath

Question:

1007. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the response of her Department to Covid-19 in relation to the childcare sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8617/20]

View answer

Written answers

The 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.

To achieve the objectives set out above, the TWSCS provides substantial funding towards staff wages and provides for a portion of services’ overhead costs. Details of how to sign up have been made available through the Pobal programme platform used by ELC and SAC providers.  The TWSCS repurposes existing ELC and SAC monies to layer on top of the Revenue Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and to support the multiplicity of ELC and SAC provider types with varying ratios of State income and parental contribution.

The TWSCS builds on the wider provisions by Government and also recognises the unique place and importance of the ELC and SAC sector.

Before COVID-19, a number of supports were available to support services with sustainability issues, and these remain available to services at this time.

Details regarding the operation of the scheme are addressed in a comprehensive set of FAQs that have been published on the DCYA website and shared with providers. The Pobal Service Provider Centre is also available to respond to queries.

My Department has made considerable investment in the sector in recent years. I want to preserve the fruits of this investment for children, families and our much valued ELC and SAC workforce and ensure that, when COVID- 19 has passed, we will have retained as many services, staff and places as possible.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (1008)

Michael McGrath

Question:

1008. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the response of her Department to Covid-19 in relation to the childcare sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8618/20]

View answer

Written answers

The 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.

To achieve the objectives set out above, the TWSCS provides substantial funding towards staff wages and provides for a portion of services’ overhead costs. Details of how to sign up have been made available through the Pobal programme platform used by ELC and SAC providers. The TWSCS repurposes existing ELC and SAC monies to layer on top of the Revenue Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and to support the multiplicity of ELC and SAC provider types with varying ratios of State income and parental contribution.

The TWSCS builds on the wider provisions by Government and also recognises the unique place and importance of the ELC and SAC sector.

Details regarding the operation of the scheme are addressed in a comprehensive set of FAQs which has been published on the DCYA website.

With regard to the questions raised by the Deputy's constituent which are not directly addressed in the FAQ:

- The DCYA Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS) is a supplement to the Revenue Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and, as such, rules associated with the Revenue Scheme apply to the TWSCS. DCYA has no discretion with regard to the payment of certain providers who were not on the payroll.

- The DCYA TWSCS provides funding to enable employers to top-up their employees’ wages as per the scheme guidelines. The DCYA TWSCS does provide additional funding towards the non-deferrable operating costs of an ELC/SAC service, including those of sole traders with no employees. 

- The terms of the Revenue TWSS have been updated to resolve the potential issue your constituent identified, where an employer wishes to pay a greater level of top-up  in order to bring the employee’s pay to €350 per week, tapering of the Revenue subsidy will now not take place 

My Department has made considerable investment in the sector in recent years. I want to preserve the fruits of this investment for children, families and our much valued ELC and SAC workforce and ensure that, when COVID- 19 has passed, we will have retained as many services, staff and places as possible.

Early Childhood Care and Education

Questions (1009)

Seán Haughey

Question:

1009. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will review the ECCE scheme in order that a child born on 8 January 2018 and is due to start primary school in September 2022, is entitled to two years Montessori school under the scheme in view of the fact that such a child in these circumstances would be nearly six years of age when starting primary school under the current conditions of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8620/20]

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Written answers

From September 2018, all children meeting the minimum age requirement of 2 years and 8 months are eligible for a full two programme years on the Early Childhood Care and Education programme (ECCE).

This minimum age was chosen based on national experience and a review of international practice. It also has regard to the regulatory environment for early years care and education in this country and issues such as child development readiness and adult-child ratios. The upper age limit remains the same (i.e. a child is not eligible if they will be 5 years and 6 months before the end of the programme year).

In order for a child to be eligible to be enrolled for free pre-school in September 2020 they must have been born between 1st January 2016 and 31st December 2017, i.e. they must have reached 2 years and 8 months on or before 31st August 2020.

In the example cited by the Deputy, the child will not be able to commence their ECCE in September 2020 as they will not have reached the age of 2 years and 8 months on or before 31st August 2020. However, they will be able to commence ECCE in September 2021, and continue for a further year from September 2022, commencing school in September 2023.

Some parents/guardians of children born around this time of the year may prefer for their children to start school at 4 rather than 5. These parents/guardians may therefore opt for 1 year of ECCE only. This decision is entirely at the discretion of the parent/s or guardian but it is important to reiterate that two full years of ECCE provision is available to all children.

Early Childhood Care and Education

Questions (1010)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

1010. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if consideration of an overage exemption in the case of a child (details supplied) in view of exceptional circumstances will be granted. [8665/20]

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Written answers

Officials from my Department have reviewed the application for an overage exemption referred to by the Deputy, and due to the unique circumstances of this case, have approved the application.

The parents of the child referred to by the Deputy have been informed that their child can avail of the free pre-school provision from the commencement of the programme in September 2020, for 5 days a week, to the end of the ECCE programme year.

I wish this family the very best for the future.

Domestic Violence Services

Questions (1011, 1012, 1013)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

1011. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the additional supports being put in place in County Cavan to support victims of domestic violence during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8763/20]

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Niamh Smyth

Question:

1012. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the additional supports are being put in place in County Monaghan to support victims of domestic violence during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8764/20]

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Niamh Smyth

Question:

1013. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the location in counties Cavan and Monaghan that victims of domestic violence can seek refuge accommodation during the Covid-19 pandemic in the absence of domestic refuge spaces. [8765/20]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1011 to 1013, inclusive, together.

The response to Domestic, Sexual Violence and Gender-based Violence (DSGBV) is a cross Departmental and multi-agency issue. Policy is coordinated by the Department of Justice and Equality (DJE). Tusla, the Child and Family Agency has statutory responsibility for the care and protection of victims of DSGBV. DCYA is providing Tusla with €25.3m this year for some 60 organisations that deliver DSGBV services for individuals and families. DSGBV has been identified by Tusla as a high priority service during the current period of emergency public health measures.

Tusla has advised that a number of service providers have access to additional emergency accommodation spaces on an ‘as needed’ basis. As of May 2020, an additional 45 units of accommodation have been sourced through the work of DSGBV service providers, Tusla, and local authorities in coordination with local partners.

In Cavan and Monaghan, access to safe local accommodation spaces can be arranged as and when such a need arises. Women with high safety needs may also be referred to access safe emergency accommodation in refuges in Navan, Dundalk and Drogheda, or in refuges elsewhere throughout the country. A full list of local services is available on the Tusla website here: www.tusla.ie/services/domestic-sexual-gender-based-violence/local-services-for-woment/.

Tusla continues to engage with service providers on a regular basis, including service providers in Cavan and Monaghan, and is supporting them throughout the current period as a key service for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence.

Child Detention Centres

Questions (1014)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1014. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of vacancies by job title at Oberstown Children’s Detention Centre as of 22 May 2020; and when each vacant post will be filled. [8780/20]

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Written answers

I wish to advise that my officials have asked Oberstown Children Detention Campus  to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

National LGBTI+ Strategy

Questions (1015)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

1015. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the objectives from the National LGBTI+ Youth Strategy which have been completed; the objectives which are outstanding; when the outstanding objectives will be completed; the main obstacle for objectives that will not be met by the end of 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8975/20]

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Written answers

In June 2018 I published the world-first LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy 2018 – 2020 (LGBTI+ NYS). It was a key commitment for DCYA as part of the 2016 Programme for Partnership Government and the Government's broader commitment to continue to strive for the full inclusion of LGBTI+ people in Irish society.

Three strategic goals were identified to support the achievement of the LGBTI+NYS vision; these goals cascade down into 15 Objectives and 59 actions, involving collaboration between Government Departments, Agencies and a wide range of other stakeholders. The Goals are aligned to the five national outcomes of the Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures: The National Policy Framework for Children and Young People, 2014-2020 (BOBF). 

In October 2019 the First Annual Report on the Implementation of the LGBTI+ National Youth Strategy was published. The report documented progress on action implementation up to the 3rd quarter of 2019. This report, available on the Gov.ie website, shows that, by 2019, 55 of the 59 actions under the Strategy had already been initiated (47) or were planned for initiation (9). Since then further progress has been made in implementing the Strategy. 

Goal 1 of the LGBTI+ strategy seeks to ensure that LGBTI+ young people are safe, supported and included in all the environments and contexts in which they live their lives including formal education, employment, cultural representation, and welfare services. Goal 1 is comprised of 10 objectives and 38 actions. The actions are led by 17 Departments, Agencies and NGOs.  The report showed that 36 of the 38 actions under Goal 1 had either been initiated (30) or a plan was in place for their initiation (6).

Goal 2 of the Strategy is to improve the physical, mental and sexual health of LGBTI+ young people, by identifying, tailoring and implementing health services and initiatives that support the health and wellbeing of LGBTI+ young people. This Goal is comprised of 4 objectives and 14 actions. The 4 objectives and 14 actions are led by the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The Implementation Report showed that thirteen of the 14 actions under Goal 2 were either initiated (11) or planned (2).

Goal 3, which is to develop the research and data environment in order to better understand the lives of LGBTI+ young people and to make their experiences visible, is progressing. This is achieved by including relevant research and evaluation metrics in programme and intervention design, collecting evidence and measuring the impact of these initiatives on young people’s lives. Objectives achieved include the further development and digitisation of the Irish Queer Archive, understanding the research and data gaps with regard to LGBTI+ young people, piloting questions related to sexual orientation and gender identity for a Household Survey in 2018/2019, and considerations of how language about gender identity and sexual orientation is used. This goal continues to be advanced during 2020 with research actions in train.

At the beginning of this year the Secretary General of DCYA issued reminders to all Departments and other bodies of their obligations in relation to implementation of the LGBTI+NYS.

Governance and implementation oversight of LGBTI+NYS sits within the comprehensive Framework for the implementation of BOBF, as one of its constituent strategies. Implementation of the LGBTI+NYS is additionally supported by the LGBTI+ Youth Forum, which involves young people in implementing the strategy, an annual implementation forum and the appointment of Olivia McEvoy to the BOBF Advisory Council specifically to represent LGBTI+NYS. 

Most recently, the implementation of the LGBTI+ NYS is also supported by its partner strategy from the Department of Justice and Equality (DJE), the National LGBTI+ Inclusion Strategy 2019-2021 published in November 2019. DCYA are collaborating with DJE on implementing shared actions from both strategies.

The next phase of reporting will take place in due course.

Childcare Services

Questions (1016)

Cian O'Callaghan

Question:

1016. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps she is taking to provide financial and procedural supports to childcare facilities as they reopen following the Covid-19 restrictions; if an assessment has be made of the impact on young children of physical distancing restrictions in a childcare setting; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8978/20]

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Written answers

The Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out the plan for re-opening of Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (ELC and SAC) services. This will be underpinned by the Government's Return to Work Safely Protocol, expert advice, available evidence and consultation with ELC and SAC stakeholder representatives and providers themselves. To support this work, I have convened and chair an Advisory Group, that comprises eight organisations representing the ELC and SAC sector, one representing the childminding sector and a trade union representative. Intensive engagement with this Group has been underway for several weeks now.

On 29 May I received Government support for the initial plans for re-opening ELC and SAC services under Phase 3 (29 June). The plan for re-opening is guided by the detailed public health guidance specific to ELC and SAC services received from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and noted by NPHET.

The phased reopening will seek to meet the needs of the increasing range of parents and guardians who are returning to work, and prioritise the needs of vulnerable children who need ELC and SAC on child welfare grounds.

It is intended that from 29 June, ELC and SAC services will be accessible by:

- Children of health and social care workers, other frontline workers,  early ELC and SAC practitioners themselves, and parents who need access to  ELC and SAC in order to return to work. In the first instance, places will be available to families from these categories who previously used the  ELC and SAC services.

- Vulnerable children, including children sponsored under the National Childcare Scheme (for example, children in the protection process and children whose families are homeless) along with children funded through legacy  ELC and SAC funding schemes who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage or child welfare issues.

- Children with disabilities, including those preparing to start school in September.

- Other children previously registered in  ELC and SAC services on March 12, whose parents continue to need  ELC and SAC and who were assured that they would retain their place through conditions attached to the DCYA Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme.

- Subject to local availability of places, children who did not previously use  early ELC and SAC services and whose parents are now seeking a place.

In the context of  ELC and SAC, social distancing will only be relevant to distancing between adults when they are not engaged in  ELC and SAC activity (for example when on breaks and arriving for work). No masks will be worn in the service by adults (when working with children) or children themselves.  This is based on advice from the public health advice.

When services reopen on 29 June, children will play together in set groups of children and adults in ‘play pods’.  The intention is that the same staff and children stay together each day, through the day, as far as possible. The purpose of ‘play-pods’ is to limit the number of people a child has contact with, to facilitate tracing, and to support close, positive interactions between children and their adult caregivers, like in a key-worker system. The play pod model recognises that physical distancing is not possible with young children, nor may it be in their best interests. This system will also reduce the amount of contact adults have with each other. Children are returning to their service having been with their parent(s)/guardian(s) for several months, and the ‘play-pod’ aims to develop a team-like spirit between the children where they help each other while playing and learning together.

In terms of funding for the ELC and SAC sector, I have already put in place a number of supports to assist ELC and SAC providers in this time. The Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS), launched by my Department on 15 April, builds on the wider provisions by Government and also recognises the unique place and importance of the ELC and SAC sector. It provides funds for staffing and overhead costs, while ensuring that parents are not charged fees for the duration of the scheme. 

As part of pre-existing sustainability funding, financial supports are available for community services presenting with sustainability issues following a financial assessment by Pobal.  My Department has begun to consider whether this sustainability funding can be extended to private services during the pandemic.

These sector-specific supports are complemented by the range of supports across Government, many of which can also be availed of by ELC and SAC providers. This includes grants and loans for small businesses, advice and support from Local Enterprise Offices, the cancellation of commercial rates for a period, and a re-opening grant for small and medium enterprises. Further information on these supports is available from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

There remain a number of key decisions to be made across Government that will impact significantly on the ELC and SAC sector, including the future of emergency measures such as the Revenue operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection operated Pandemic Unemployment Payment, and other business supports. The proposals for re-opening ELC and SAC services necessarily interact with these schemes and so I will be relying on whole of Government plans, which impact the ELC and SAC sector. Detailed planning and costing of proposals is ongoing to provide a sustainable and viable funding model which can be applied for the initial phase of reopening of ELC and SAC services, through to operating at full capacity. This funding model is subject to agreement with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

I am very conscious of the importance of ELC and SAC for children’s positive development and in terms of supporting the economy as we move beyond this crisis. I am minded always of these principles in the planning being done across Government, led by my Department, for the safe and sustainable re-opening of ELC and SAC services.

Childcare Services

Questions (1017)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

1017. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans and recommendations in place for non-essential businesses and workers allowed to return to work on 8 June 2020 but childminding services for this category cannot operate until 20 July 2020; the way in which this issue is intended to be addressed in circumstances in which there is a gap in childminding provisions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9003/20]

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Written answers

As the Deputy is aware, on Friday 1 May the Government released its Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which sets out Ireland's plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions through five phases. The re-opening of Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (ELC and SAC) services will be guided by this framework and will be underpinned by the Return to Work Safely Protocol, expert advice, available evidence and consultation with ELC and SAC stakeholder representatives.

The Roadmap proposes that the reopening of crèches, childminders and preschools in a phased manner will begin in Phase 3, which is currently scheduled to begin on 29 June. Last Friday, 29 May, I announced which children would be eligible to resume full or part-time childcare services from 29 June. Whilst initially the Government Roadmap had indicated that services would resume only for the children of essential workers, this has now been widened. 

Subject to local capacity, from 29 June services are encouraged to support: 

- children of health and social care workers, other frontline workers, childcare practitioners and parents who need access to childcare in order to return to work;

- vulnerable children sponsored under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) (for example, children who are homeless and Tusla referrals) and children funded through legacy childcare schemes who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage or child welfare issues;

- children with disabilities who previously attended part or full-time early learning and care, including those preparing to start school in September; and

- children previously registered in childcare services on March 12, whose parents continue to need childcare for employment or training purposes and who were assured that they would retain their place through conditions attached to my Department’s Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS).  

Whilst demand for services may be lower than it was in March, some working parents who were using childcare services before the closures on March 12 will be reassured to know that they may now have the option to return to the service.  

In the best interests of the child and parents, children should, as far as possible, be enabled to return to the childcare service they attended Pre-Covid19.  Given the changed model of interaction and the time lapse since the child last attended, it is important that further unfamiliar elements are not introduced to the child at this point.

If local capacity issues emerge, services will be asked to give priority to the children of essential or frontline workers.

As per HSE guidance and in accordance with the regulations under the Health (Preservation and Protection and Other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2000, childminders who care for the children of essential workers in the children's home were permitted to continue working after childcare facilities were closed on 12 March, and are themselves considered essential workers. Childminders will also be able to resume looking after children in the childminder’s home from 29 June.

Mother and Baby Homes Inquiries

Questions (1018)

Martin Browne

Question:

1018. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the final report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes will be published in June 2020; and if she will apologise to the survivors of the mother and baby homes for the previous delays in publishing the report. [9024/20]

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Written answers

The Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes and certain related Matters is due to submit its final report to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on the 26 June 2020. When a Commission submits its final report there are a number of procedural matters which must be addressed before the relevant Minister would be in a position to seek the approval of Government to publish the report. For this reason there will always be an interval between receipt of such reports and arrangements for their publication.

Today, Judge Murphy has submitted a communication to me with an update in relation to the Commission's progress. I will need to consider this communication and engage with my Cabinet colleagues as appropriate.

On the second part of your question, the Commission has previously requested the Government to extend the timeframe for delivery of its final report on three separate occasions. In agreeing to these extensions the Government’s priority has been to facilitate the independent Commission to address the crucial questions and conclude its investigations as expeditiously as possible in accordance with the legislative framework.

I know that many former residents and their families have been disappointed and frustrated by the time taken to complete this sensitive work even though they recognise the complexity of the task. I have publicly expressed my support and understanding of their views in this regard. When considering the timeframe involved it is essential to acknowledge the significant scale of the task.  It is not a singular task. The investigation includes multiple lines of inquiry examining the operation of quite different institutions over a period of more than three quarters of a century. In its work the Commission has engaged with hundreds of former residents and sought to comprehensively collate and analyse information at a level beyond what was ever possible before.

In this way the Commission’s work provides a unique opportunity to significantly enhance our national understanding of the difficult experiences endured by mothers and children in these institutions.  I share the wish of all interested parties to see the Commission conclude its work as quickly as possible.

Early Years Sector

Questions (1019)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

1019. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if applications to the early years capital programme 2020 will be reopened in view of the fact that they were suspended before the original deadline of 27 March 2020; if there are alternative capital funding options open to services at this time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9053/20]

View answer

Written answers

Since 2015 my Department has administered an annual capital funding programme, under which registered service providers are invited to apply for capital funding to increase the capacity of their services,  and to maintain and improve their services.

In 2020 I secured €7.2m in capital funding for early learning and care (ELC)  and school age care (SAC).  I launched the application programme for the 2020 Capital Programme on 28 February.  I suspended the Capital Programme on 26 March, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

I am currently reviewing the allocation of the 2020 capital budget and I intend to launch a new capital grant programme in the coming days.  Under this new capital grant programme, funds will be made available to services to enable them to carry out preparatory work in advance of opening.  The application process, which will be administered by Pobal, will go live in the coming days. The application process will be user-friendly and simple to use.  Providers will receive confirmation of the funding they are to receive before they reopen.

Childcare Services

Questions (1020, 1021)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

1020. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans for the introduction of pods in centre-based settings as part of the reopening of services from 29 June 2020; if all providers will have to introduce a pod system; if services can develop an alternative system of care tailored to their building and staffing arrangements; if ratios will be reduced to facilitate pods; if additional funding will be provided if ratios are reduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9078/20]

View answer

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

1021. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a childcare worker is supervising a pod, which person then monitors the pod while that person is on break; if pods will overlap for part of the day; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9079/20]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1020 and 1021 together.

On Friday 1 May, the Government released its Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which sets out Ireland's plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions through five phases. The re-opening of Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (ELC and SAC) services will be guided by this framework and will be underpinned by the Government's Return to Work Safely Protocol, expert advice, available evidence and consultation with ELC and SAC stakeholder representatives and providers themselves.

Last Friday, 29 May, I announced a number of developments to assist childcare providers and parents plan for the reopening of services on June 29 as part of Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business.

Expert guidance written specifically for the childcare sector has been provided by the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC). 

The guidance focuses on use of a “play pod” model. The “play pod” model restricts interactions between closed groups of children and adults as an alternative to social distancing, which is not possible with young children. Play pods should not overlap but a large room may contain more than one play-pod provided there are partitions that prevent physical contact between the play-pods and provided the layout complies with the Early Years Regulations and with fire safety requirements.

The purpose of ‘play-pods’ is to limit the number of people a child has contact with, to facilitate tracing, and to support close, positive interactions between children and their adult caregivers, like in a key-worker system. This system will also reduce the amount of contact adults have with each other.

The HPSC recommendation on use of play-pods is public health guidance for infection prevention and control during the COVID-19 pandemic. The HPSC guidance notes that separation of children into separate play-pods may not be relevant in small settings, where the children would in effect form one play-pod.

The regulatory adult-child ratios will remain unchanged and so services should continue to operate within them. Where possible, there should be two adults in a ‘play-pod’, to reduce the need for floating/relief staff. The HPSC guidance notes that floating staff members who provide relief during breaks will be essential but this should be limited as much as possible.

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.  Whilst there are 4,500 Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare services in the country, fewer than 2,000 of these normally remain open in July and August.

Domestic Violence Refuges Provision

Questions (1022)

Brendan Smith

Question:

1022. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to establish a refuge for victims of domestic abuse in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9127/20]

View answer

Written answers

Tusla currently provides support, coordination and funding to almost 60 organisations around the country that deliver front line services to victims of domestic, sexual and gender-based violence (DSGBV). Tusla continues to provide funding to DSGBV service providers during the current pandemic, in line with agreed service arrangements.

With regard to the future provision of additional refuge spaces, it should be noted that the responsibility for capital investment in new refuges falls under the remit of a number of Government bodies. Tusla has been in contact with funded organisations in relation to a Strategic Review of Domestic Violence Accommodation to inform Tusla's future commissioning of domestic violence emergency accommodation services, and to ensure that the evolving needs of service users are met. Tusla will carry out further engagements as the year progresses with a view to finalising the review.  Future developments will be informed by the findings of the review and the recommendations of the Monitoring Committee of the National Strategy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

I have requested Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy with regard to the provision of a refuge in counties Cavan and Monaghan.

Childcare Services

Questions (1023)

Matt Carthy

Question:

1023. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of childcare providers expected to reopen at each phase of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; the number of children that will be catered for in each instance; the supports that will be provided to those providers reopening; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9184/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business sets out the plan for re-opening of Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (ELC and SAC) services. This will be underpinned by the Government's Return to Work Safely Protocol, expert advice, available evidence and consultation with ELC and SAC stakeholder representatives and providers themselves. To support this work, I have convened and chair an Advisory Group, that comprises eight organisations representing the ELC and SAC sector, one representing the childminding sector and a trade union representative. Intensive engagement with this Group has been underway for several weeks now.

On 29 May I received Government support for the initial plans for re-opening ELC and SAC services under Phase 3 (29 June). The plan for re-opening is guided by the detailed public health guidance specific to ELC and SAC services received from the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and noted by NPHET.

The phased reopening will seek to meet the needs of the increasing range of parents and guardians who are returning to work, and prioritise the needs of vulnerable children who need ELC and SAC on child welfare grounds.

It is intended that from 29 June, ELC and SAC services will be accessible by:

- Children of health and social care workers, other frontline workers,  early ELC and SAC practitioners themselves, and parents who need access to  ELC and SAC in order to return to work. In the first instance, places will be available to families from these categories who previously used the  ELC and SAC services.

- Vulnerable children, including children sponsored under the National Childcare Scheme (for example, children in the protection process and children who are homeless) along with children funded through legacy  ELC and SAC funding schemes who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage or child welfare issues.

- Children with disabilities, including those preparing to start school in September.

- Other children previously registered in  ELC and SAC services on March 12, whose parents continue to need  ELC and SAC and who were assured that they would retain their place through conditions attached to the DCYA Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme.

- Subject to local availability of places, children who did not previously use  early ELC and SAC services and whose parents are now seeking a place.

When services reopen on 29 June, children will play together in set groups of children and adults in ‘play pods’.  The intention is that the same staff and children stay together each day, through the day, as far as possible. The purpose of ‘play-pods’ is to limit the number of people a child has contact with, to facilitate tracing, and to support close, positive interactions between children and their adult caregivers, like in a key-worker system. The play pod model recognises that physical distancing is not possible with young children, nor may it be in their best interests. This system will also reduce the amount of contact adults have with each other.

In the best interests of children and parents, children should, as far as possible, be enabled to return to the childcare service they attended pre-COVID-19. Given the changed model of interaction and the time lapse since children last attended, it is important that there is as much continuity as possible for children. In light of the necessary changes, parents may also feel more reassured by placing their children in the care of childcare practitioners with whom they already have a relationship. Familiarity with other children attending the service and their parents may also help with the settling-in phase.

Officials in my Department are undertaking primary research which is currently being rolled out in order to help us forecast supply of, and demand for ELC and SAC places from 29 June and beyond. I will update the Deputy when these data have been returned from ELC and SAC providers and analysed. To begin with however, it is worth noting that in a normal year, just 40% of all ELC and SAC operate over the entire summer (approximately 1800 of the existing 4500 services).

In terms of funding for the ELC and SAC sector, I have already put in place a number of supports to assist ELC and SAC providers in this time. The Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS), launched by my Department on 15 April, builds on the wider provisions by Government and also recognises the unique place and importance of the ELC and SAC sector. It provides funds for staffing and overhead costs, while ensuring that parents are not charged fees for the duration of the scheme. 

As part of pre-existing sustainability funding, financial supports are available for community services presenting with sustainability issues following a financial assessment by Pobal.  My Department has begun to consider whether this sustainability funding can be extended to private services during the pandemic.

These sector-specific supports are complemented by the range of supports across Government, many of which can also be availed of by ELC and SAC providers. This includes grants and loans for small businesses, advice and support from Local Enterprise Offices, the cancellation of commercial rates for a period, and a re-opening grant for small and medium enterprises. Further information on these supports is available from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

There remain a number of key decisions to be made across Government that will impact significantly on the ELC and SAC sector, including the future of emergency measures such as the Revenue operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection operated Pandemic Unemployment Payment, and other business supports. The proposals for re-opening ELC and SAC services necessarily interact with these schemes and so I will be relying on whole of Government plans, which impact the ELC and SAC sector. Detailed planning and costing of proposals is ongoing to provide a sustainable and viable funding model which can be applied for the initial phase of reopening of ELC and SAC services, through to operating at full capacity. This funding model is subject to agreement with the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform.

I am very conscious of the importance of ELC and SAC for children’s positive development and in terms of supporting the economy as we move beyond this crisis. I am minded always of these principles in the planning being done across Government, led by my Department, for the safe and sustainable re-opening of ELC and SAC services. 

Child and Family Agency

Questions (1024)

Darren O'Rourke

Question:

1024. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of referrals to Tusla in March and April 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, by referring body and reason in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9290/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy is referring to an operational matter for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. I have therefore referred the matter to Tusla, and asked that a direct response be provided to the Deputy.

Childcare Services

Questions (1025)

Norma Foley

Question:

1025. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the childcare measures in place for front-line workers; and her definition of the term "front-line worker". [9316/20]

View answer

Written answers

On Friday 1 May, the Government released its Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which sets out Ireland's plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions through five phases. The re-opening of Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (ELC and SAC) services will be guided by this framework and will be underpinned by the Government's Return to Work Safely Protocol, expert advice, available evidence and consultation with ELC and SAC stakeholder representatives and providers themselves.

The future stages of the Roadmap's re-opening of ELC/SAC services are stated as follows:

Phase 3 (29 June), opening of crèches, childminders and preschools for children of essential workers in a phased manner with social distancing and other requirements applying.

Phase 4 (20 July), opening of crèches, childminders and preschools for children of all other workers on a gradually increasing phased basis and slowly increasing thereafter.

The sector has many questions regarding how the Roadmap will be implemented to enable services to re-open. While the COVID-19 emergency called for overnight action on closures, it is my ambition that the phased re-opening will enable sufficient time and planning to re-open in an orderly, safe and sustainable manner. I would like to reassure providers, practitioners, parents and children that I will be doing my utmost to support the sector in offering as smooth a transition as possible to the phased and restricted re-opening of ELC and SAC services.

My Department is currently working with the sector to answer the many questions that exist. This is complex work and must balance a number of important issues, including those mentioned by the Deputy around capacity. Informed by NPHET and public health guidance, consideration is being given to a range of these issues, including:

- Minimising the public health risk, especially given the difficulty of maintaining social distancing among young children and those caring for them,

- Ensuring the need for any restrictions to be consistent with young children’s well-being and development needs and for ELC and SAC provision at each phase to be child-centred.

- Providing ELC for pre-school children, meeting parental demand for ELC and SAC as the economy reopens, and meeting the commitment to retain places for families who paid for ELC and SAC before COVID-19, all while restricting capacity and thereby reducing adult-child ratios. 

- Ensuring financial sustainability of the sector when capacity restrictions limit income and parents cannot afford to cover any higher costs with higher fees.

- Ensuring a sufficient number of qualified ELC and SAC practitioners, given likelihood of reduced adult-child ratios and existing challenges with recruitment and retention.

A further key factor is that, in the best interests of children and parents, children should, as far as possible, be enabled to return to the childcare service they attended pre-COVID-19. Given the changed model of interaction and the time lapse since children last attended, it is important that there is as much continuity as possible for children. In light of the necessary changes, parents may also feel more reassured by placing their children in the care of childcare practitioners with whom they already have a relationship. Familiarity with other children attending the service and their parents may also help with the settling-in phase.

I am actively engaging with key stakeholders in the sector to make sure that the work on re-opening services is informed by the practical reality across the country. I have established and Chair an Advisory Group that includes representatives chosen by the sector, specifically the Association of Childhood Professionals, Community Forum, Early Childhood Ireland, National Childhood Network, PLÉ and Seas Suas. The group also includes Tusla, Pobal, SIPTU and Childminding Ireland. The first meeting of this Advisory Group took place on 13 May and I held follow up meetings on 15 and 19 May. A schedule of weekly meetings has also been agreed.

The proposals for re-opening which are in development will have due regard to Public Health guidance over the phases of easing of restrictions.  I am conscious that the proposed timelines are subject to further NPHET advice, and decisions from Government.

Identifying essential workers, who will be eligible for childcare as part of this reopening, is part of the wider Government effort to ensure that society and business are re-opened in a carefully managed and safe manner.

There are a number of key decisions to be made across Government that will impact significantly on the ELC and SAC sector, including the future of emergency measures such as the Revenue operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection operated Pandemic Unemployment Payment, and other business supports. The proposals for re-opening ELC and SAC services necessarily interact with these schemes and so I will be relying on whole of Government plans, which impact the ELC and SAC sector.

It is my fervent hope that every early education and childcare service  around the country is currently considering how it can be part of helping Ireland get back to work, and how it can support children from June 29th in the very difficult circumstances they have experienced in recent months.  

I will undertake to update the Deputy as soon as the work on re-opening services is at a more advanced stage.

Childcare Services

Questions (1026)

Norma Foley

Question:

1026. Deputy Norma Foley asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the measures and works which will be required in childcare facilities going forward to meet Covid-19 requirements. [9317/20]

View answer

Written answers

On Friday 1 May, the Government released its Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which sets out Ireland's plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions through five phases. The re-opening of Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (ELC and SAC) services will be guided by this framework and will be underpinned by the Government's Return to Work Safely Protocol, expert advice, available evidence and consultation with ELC and SAC stakeholder representatives and providers themselves.

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 recommends 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 Regulations in relation to either the adult-child ratios or the floor-space requirements for ELC or SAC 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.  Whilst there are 4,500 Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare services in the country, fewer than 2,000 of these normally remain open in July and August.

I have been engaging intensively with a number of organisations representing the childcare sector, through an Advisory Group. A range of additional guidance and resources to assist the sector to prepare for reopening are currently being prepared and will start to issue in the coming days and continue over the remaining weeks before opening.

Since 2015 my Department has administered an annual capital funding programme, under which service providers registered with Tusla are invited to apply for capital funding to increase the capacity of their services,  or to maintain and improve their services.

In 2020 I secured €7.2m in capital funding for early learning and care (ELC)  and school age care (SAC).  I launched the application programme for the 2020 Capital Programme on 28 February but this had to be suspended due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

I am currently reviewing the allocation of the 2020 capital budget and I intend to launch a new capital grant programme in the coming days.  In doing so, I am conscious that demand for childcare services after COVID may be reduced, at least initially. I believe the best use of capital funding in 2020 will be made through supporting services and places already in existence, to reopen after the closure period, and to support them meet the new HPSC guidance.

The application process for the 2020 Capital programme, which will be administered by Pobal, will go live shortly.

Wage Subsidy Scheme

Questions (1027)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

1027. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the date by which the childcare temporary wage subsidy scheme will be extended to; and if the current rate of the payment will be maintained throughout this period. [9332/20]

View answer

Written answers

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented situation that has required a series of emergency responses from the Government.

As the Deputy is aware, in response to Government measures to provide financial support to workers the Office of the Revenue Commissioners launched the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) for a period of up to 12 weeks on March 26. The scheme enables employees, whose employers are affected by the pandemic, to receive significant supports directly from their employer through the payroll system.  

My Department's Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS) was developed to sustain the early learning and care (ELC) and school age care (SAC) sector and is layered on top of the wider Revenue operated TWSS. The scheme was introduced for a temporary period only, until mid June. The scheme has received a very positive response from the sector with over 84% of services signing up to it.

Any decision with regard to the extension of the DCYA temporary wage subsidy childcare scheme is dependent on the future of the Revenue scheme, which is currently under review by Government. I am also in the process of developing a new funding model for the reopening of childcare services on June 29th. I am conscious that approximately 2000 childcare services operate every summer and I am working with their representatives to support them in their plans for reopening.

I will be happy to update the Deputy in the coming weeks as the new funding model is finalised.

Childcare Services

Questions (1028)

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

1028. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress of the advisory group on reopening early learning and care and school-age childcare services. [9333/20]

View answer

Written answers

The Deputy is aware that the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented situation that has required a series of emergency responses from the Government and my Department.

My Department and I are engaging extensively with stakeholders in the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age (SAC) sector, in particular through the Advisory Group on the Phased Reopening of Childcare Services, referred to by the Deputy.

When establishing the Advisory Group , I made six places available to the sector. The sector itself chose its representatives, which includes representatives from the Association of Childhood Professionals, Seas Suas, PLÉ, the National Children's Network, the National Community Forum and Early Childhood Ireland. Childminding Ireland, SIPTU, Pobal and Tusla also sit on the group.  

The Advisory Group which I chair had its first meeting on 13 May, and has had a total of four meetings to date.  A Communications Sub-Group and a Practice Sub Group, both of which include most of the sectoral representatives, have been established and meet regularly.

A number of additional provider representative groups have contacted my Department seeking to be added to the membership of the Advisory Group. In response to such requests, I have established a Reference Group, to supplement the work of the Advisory Group. I chaired the first meeting of this group on 28 May.

The Advisory Group has provided expert advice  which continues to be of great assistance in helping us to finalise plans for the reopening of the early learning and care and school age care sector.   I am satisfied that significant progress is being made and the publication of the HPSC guidance last week, together with details on who can access childcare from June 29, represent an important early milestone. In the coming days, I hope to publish a suite of resources for providers to assist them in planning for reopening. I will also be publishing information for parents who are considering returning to the use of childcare services.

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