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Early Years Sector

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2020

Tuesday, 9 June 2020

Questions (617)

Michael McGrath

Question:

617. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the early years supports at present; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10267/20]

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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 childcare providers. I am also very conscious of the importance of 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, I launched the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSCS) on 15 April. The aim of the TWSCS 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 Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme provides funding towards a portion of staff wages and services' ongoing overhead costs for the period of the scheme.

My Department recognises the importance of robust oversight of Exchequer funding and ensuring that it is spent on the purposes it was intended for, and information has been provided to the sector on the appropriate use of this funding. My Department also recognises the need to be supportive of providers; hence, payments made by beneficiaries using the overhead funding within four weeks of the end of the scheme may also be deemed eligible alongside payments made during the period of the scheme.

The TWSCS is one of a range of supports available to the sector from my Department and from across Government. Further supports and funding are available from my Department including the Programme Support Payment for the 2019/20 Programme year which will issue in June this year, providing further income for services who apply. A new Capital Programme to support services to re-open will be available shortly. Services may also be eligible for the Restart Grant for Small Businesses, administered by Local Authorities, and other supports available from the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.

I would also note there are supports available to improve the sustainability of services during normal times, and these remain available to services which may still be facing regular challenges on top of the difficulties imposed by the pandemic.

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