Written Answers Nos. 588-607
588. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he has had conversations with Coillte regarding extending its recently announced makeover project in view of the benefit of such lands to attract and promote tourism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10291/20]
View answerI understand that the Deputy is referring to the recent announcement by Coillte that it will be embarking on a transformative “makeover” project involving nine of its forests in the Dublin mountains, which I understand is due to see these forests transition from commercial use to wholly-recreational purposes. This initiative should deliver multiple, wide-ranging benefits – including for nature, biodiversity, sport/recreation and health – which would also be attractive to visiting tourists.
Investigating, developing and promoting tourism experiences relating to our natural heritage and outdoor offering are operational matters for Fáilte Ireland. Accordingly, I have asked Fáilte Ireland to reply directly to the Deputy regarding its views on this specific initiative, including any related conversations with Coillte. Please contact my private office if you have not received a reply within ten working days.
589. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will address a matter regarding driver tests and the reopening of the NDLS (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10312/20]
View answerThe RSA is currently working, in consultation with my Department, on plans for the resumption of the range of services and functions for which it is responsible, following the publication of the Government roadmap and, more recently, the National Return to Work Safety Protocol as agreed by employer and trade union representatives.
I am pleased to confirm the phased re-opening of the NDLS service as part of Phase 2 under the Government Roadmap, from Monday 8 June. Further information is available on the relevant websites www.ndls.ie and www.rsa.ie
The resumption of driving tests raises particular difficulties, due to the need to have two people in close proximity and in a confined space for a significant period of time. I anticipate for this reason that the driving test will be the last of the RSA's services to reopen, most likely in phase 4 of the Government's Roadmap.
Further dates for the resumption of the RSA's services, and any special arrangements which will need to be put into place to allow for the provision of these services, will be determined in consultation with the relevant health authorities.
The safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time, whether from infection or from deaths and injuries on the road, and in this as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis, my Department will be guided by NPHET and national experts.
590. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if a person (details supplied) who recently returned from abroad will be assisted in obtaining a driver licence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10344/20]
View answerI am pleased to confirm the phased re-opening of the National Driver Licence Service centres from Monday 8 June, in line with Phase 2 of the Government roadmap for the easing of Covid 19 restrictions and the national return to work safety protocol.
The operation of the National Driver Licence Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. Further information is available at www.ndls.ie and www.rsa.ie on how to arrange an appointment to apply for a driving licence renewal.
591. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when he plans to publish guidelines for the tourism and hotelier sector; the supports being put in place specifically; when they will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10369/20]
View answerTo assist tourism businesses reopening in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, Fáilte Ireland has today [Tuesday 9 June 2020] published guidelines for the tourism sector, prepared in consultation with the tourism industry and relevant authorities. These guidelines are intended to assist tourism businesses meet requirements in line with the Return to Work Safely protocol and based on the latest health advice.
With regard to the supports in place for the tourism and hospitality sector, my Department has liaised with other Government departments and industry representative bodies, to align the economy wide COVID-19 supports and initiatives with tourism and hospitality needs.
The measures put in place by the Government to support businesses initially focused on supporting those who have lost their jobs and in supporting businesses to remain viable during this difficult time with specifically targeted supports to assist companies to stay operational and retain their staff.
As a result, many tourism businesses are now availing the various cross-sectoral economic supports that the Government has already put in place such as; the wage subsidy scheme, increased unemployment benefits, the state credit guarantee scheme, working capital loan schemes, enterprise support schemes and deferrals of tax liabilities, VAT, social contributions and local authority rates.
Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises including tourism businesses as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable through the EU’s state aid framework.
Fáilte Ireland has set up a COVID-19 Industry Advisory Group which meets weekly. The purpose of this group is to provide support to the tourism industry and to facilitate the timely sharing of information and insights to help improve the sector's understanding and response to the crisis. Fáilte Ireland has also developed a COVID-19 Business Support Hub which offers a suite of targeted supports for tourism businesses including a series of webinars from experts in each field, as well as advice guides with detailed FAQs and templates where necessary.
Minister Ross and I have appointed a Tourism Recovery Taskforce to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan which will include a set of recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector can adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. The plan will identify priority aims, key enablers and market opportunities for the sector for the period 2020-2023.
It is envisaged that the Taskforce will establish working groups to carry out specific tasks and that the Taskforce will undertake a widespread stakeholder consultation process whereby all sectors and interested parties will have an opportunity to provide constructive inputs and innovative ideas on how this vital sector to our economy can adapt and recover in a meaningful and sustainable way. The Taskforce will report back later this year.
592. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the outcome of discussions he has had with representatives of the tourism and hospitality sector; the support programmes that will be put in place to assist the sector through the difficulties that have arisen due to the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10408/20]
View answerMinister Ross and I have appointed a Tourism Recovery Taskforce to prepare a Tourism Recovery Plan which will include a set of recommendations on how best the Irish tourism sector can adapt and recover in the changed tourism environment as a result of the Covid-19 crisis. The plan will identify priority aims, key enablers and market opportunities for the sector for the period 2020-2023.
It is envisaged that the Taskforce will establish working groups to carry out specific tasks and that the Taskforce will undertake a widespread stakeholder consultation process whereby all sectors and interested parties will have an opportunity to provide constructive inputs and innovative ideas on how this vital sector to our economy can adapt and recover in a meaningful and sustainable way. The Taskforce will report back later this year.
My Department has liaised with other Government departments and industry representative bodies, to align the economy wide COVID-19 supports and initiatives with tourism and hospitality needs. The measures put in place by the Government to support businesses initially focused on supporting those who have lost their jobs and in supporting businesses to remain viable during this difficult time with specifically targeted supports to assist companies to stay operational and retain their staff.
As a result, many tourism businesses are now availing the various cross-sectoral economic supports that the Government has already put in place such as; the wage subsidy scheme, increased unemployment benefits, the state credit guarantee scheme, working capital loan schemes, enterprise support schemes and deferrals of tax liabilities, VAT, social contributions and local authority rates.
Government will continue to explore funding potential for all enterprises including tourism businesses as they work through the challenges facing them, including through any mechanisms allowable through the EU’s state aid framework.
Fáilte Ireland has set up a COVID-19 Industry Advisory Group which meets weekly. The purpose of this group is to provide support to the tourism industry and to facilitate the timely sharing of information and insights to help improve the sector's understanding and response to the crisis. Fáilte Ireland has also developed a COVID-19 Business Support Hub which offers a suite of targeted supports for tourism businesses including a series of webinars from experts in each field, as well as advice guides with detailed FAQs and templates where necessary.
To assist tourism businesses reopening in line with the Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, Fáilte Ireland has today [Tuesday 9 June 2020] published guidelines for the tourism sector, prepared in consultation with the tourism industry and relevant authorities. These guidelines are intended to assist tourism businesses meet requirements in line with the Return to Work Safely protocol and based on the latest health advice.
593. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if he will consider recommendations (details supplied) to support taxi drivers that have lost income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10427/20]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle licencing arrangements during the present COVID-19 pandemic, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
594. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans in relation to licence renewal for taxi drivers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10428/20]
View answerThe regulation of the small public service vehicle (SPSV) industry, including vehicle licencing arrangements during the present COVID-19 pandemic, is a matter for the National Transport Authority (NTA) under the provisions of the Taxi Regulation Act 2013.
Given the role of the NTA as regulator, I have referred your question to the Authority for direct reply to you. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a response within 10 working days.
595. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of the N25 Waterford to Glenmore scheme project; the Exchequer and EU funding allocated to the project; the total project cost; the time frame for each phase envisaged under the project from appraisal, design and construction stage; if funding is being drawn down under the EU TEN-T; and the changes in environmental legislation, design standards and requirements under the Public Spending Code that resulted in new route corridor options being developed for the project. [10430/20]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, I have responsibility for overall policy and funding in relation to the national roads programme. Once funding arrangements have been put in place with TransportInfrastructure Ireland (TII), under the Roads Acts 1993-2015 the planning, design and construction of individual national roads is a matter for TII in conjunction with the local authorities concerned. TII is, therefore, responsible for the distribution of funds under the Capital Programme for the implementation of the national roads programme in accordance with Project Ireland 2040, within the framework of the National Development Plan (NDP). Consequently, TII is best placed to advise on the current status and funding in respect of this scheme.
Noting the above position, I have referred the question to TII to provide you with the information requested. Please advise my private office if you do not receive a reply within 10 working days.
596. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport when NDLS centres nationwide are due to reopen to the public under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10438/20]
View answerThe safety of the public is of paramount importance at this time and as in all aspects of the Covid-19 crisis my Department continues to be guided by National Public Health Emergency Team and the relevant national experts in relation to the resumption of services.
I am pleased to confirm the phased re-opening of the National Driver Licence Service centres from Monday 8 June, in line with Phase 2 of the Government roadmap for the easing of Covid 19 restrictions and the national return to work safety protocol.
The operation of the National Driver Licence Service is the statutory responsibility of the Road Safety Authority. Further information is available at www.ndls.ie and www.rsa.ie
597. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the supports being made available by his Department to private bus and coach companies negatively affected by the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10444/20]
View answerSince the beginning of the Covid-19 health emergency, the Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important and designated public transport as an “essential service” during the Covid-19 emergency, recognising the importance of keeping the system running especially for carrying essential workers and other passengers making necessary journeys throughout the crisis period.
The introduction of restrictions on public movement and the temporary closure of many workplaces, education centres and leisure and social activities across the country has led to an unprecedented fall in demand for public transport. Nonetheless, public transport has served, and will continue to serve, a vital role in transporting essential workers and in supporting Government’s Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business in the weeks and months ahead.
Public health advices on social distancing are relevant across the public transport sector, and operators are implementing measures to facilitate adequate social distancing measures on-board; this significantly reduces the carrying capacity of public transport services.
While the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly-subvented bus and rail services funded through National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, the public transport system also includes non-subvented bus services provided on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying size. I understand that about 90% of the commercial bus operators have suspended their services or are providing significantly reduced services at present.
From my Department's engagement with their representatives, and indeed from the NTA's regular engagement with them throughout the crisis, I understand the very difficult business environment that the commercial bus operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the Covid-19 situation presents huge challenges for many business sectors.
That is why we have worked to introduce a wide programme of Government supports for impacted businesses. The range of supports available includes new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example. I am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation about these matters and am raising with her the concerns and situation of the commercial operators.
598. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the measures he is considering to support the bus and coach sector to ensure the survival of the industry in a post-Covid-19 environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10450/20]
View answerSince the beginning of the Covid-19 health emergency, the Government has been clear that continued operation of the public transport sector is important and designated public transport as an “essential service” during the Covid-19 emergency, recognising the importance of keeping the system running especially for carrying essential workers and other passengers making necessary journeys throughout the crisis period.
The introduction of restrictions on public movement and the temporary closure of many workplaces, education centres and leisure and social activities across the country has led to an unprecedented fall in demand for public transport. Nonetheless, public transport has served, and will continue to serve, a vital role in transporting essential workers and in supporting Government’s Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business in the weeks and months ahead.
Public health advices on social distancing are relevant across the public transport sector, and operators are implementing measures to facilitate adequate social distancing measures on-board; this significantly reduces the carrying capacity of public transport services.
While the majority of public transport in Ireland is provided by the publicly-subvented bus and rail services funded through National Transport Authority's (NTA) public service obligation (PSO) programme, the public transport system also includes non-subvented bus services provided on a commercial basis by bus and coach businesses of varying size. I understand that about 90% of the commercial bus operators have suspended their services or are providing significantly reduced services at present.
From my Department's engagement with their representatives, and indeed from the NTA's regular engagement with them throughout the crisis, I understand the very difficult business environment that the commercial bus operators are now dealing with. Indeed, across Government we are acutely aware that the Covid-19 situation presents huge challenges for many business sectors.
That is why we have worked to introduce a wide programme of Government supports for impacted businesses. The range of supports available includes new schemes of wage subsidies, rates waivers, re-start grants, lending facilities, equity injection, and business advisory supports for example. I am engaging with my colleague, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation about these matters and am raising with her the concerns and situation of the commercial operators.
599. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if potential schemes are being examined to support local youth involvement in social and community affairs in view of the fact that students may not be able to source seasonal summer jobs due to Coivid-19. [9659/20]
View answerMy Department's Youth Affairs Unit provides funding to support youth groups and clubs around the country, the vast majority of which will continue to operate during the summer months to provide services to young people. In the present difficult circumstances, I have consistently made my position clear that this funding is both necessary and essential, and I am pleased that it has been maintained. I secured €61.79 million in current funding for my Department's youth funding, an increase of €1.4 million on 2019.
In addition, officials from my Department have been working with representatives from the youth sector to develop sector specific guidance consistent with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. This Youth Sector Guidance for Youth Organisations on Resuming Full Services after COVID-19 was published on 2nd June 2020 and will support funded youth organisations to safely plan for the provision of youth services during the summer period and beyond.
My officials are in regular contact with national youth organisations and the Education and Training Boards in relation to impacts and responses to the current crisis. I applaud the many youth services that are delivering essential work in their communities and that have innovated and adapted to find new and different ways of engaging young persons.
Some organisations now find themselves in financial difficulty due to the ongoing crisis. My colleague the Minister for Rural and Community Development put in place a stability fund using Dormant Accounts funding. This comprises €35 million for a Covid-19 Stability Fund and €5 million as a commitment to a Philanthropy Fund, ‘Innovate Together’, to focus on projects that provide innovative and adaptive solutions to existing and emerging challenges. Applications to this scheme recently closed and are currently being assessed.
600. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to introduce changes to the ECCE scheme to provide all year round funding for those involved in the provision of ECCE services rather than the 183 days funding as at present similar to that for teachers and other persons engaged in the education sector, particularly to ensure the viability of providing such services after the Covid-19 pandemic; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10204/20]
View answerThe Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme is a universal programme available to all children within the eligible age range. It provides children with their first formal experience of early learning prior to commencing primary school. The programme is provided for three hours per day, five days per week over 38 weeks per year and the programme year runs from September to June.
While the ECCE Programme runs in parallel with the school year ECCE providers are private businesses or community organisations. My Department is not the employer of early years service providers or their staff and there are no plans to provide all year round funding to these services.
In addition to the 38 weeks funding provided by my Department in 2017 I introduced Programme Support Payments (PSPs). These payments recognise the additional time required of providers to complete the administrative work associated with DCYA-funded early learning and care and school age childcare programmes. The payment also recognises the time required to perform activities outside of contact time with children, such as preparing materials for early learning and care sessions and assisting parents.
ECCE providers who apply for PSP before the June 12 closing date will be paid equal to 7 days’ (1.4 weeks’) registrations at standard capitation.
601. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to recoup the 15% sustainability only being paid to childcare and early years providers. [9664/20]
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 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, the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS) was launched on April 15th.
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' overhead costs. Details of how to sign up have been made available through the Pobal programme platform used by childcare providers.
My Department recognises the importance of robust oversight of Exchequer funding. This includes ensuring that funds provided under the TWSCS are used for purposes intended: to meet employee pay costs in conjunction with the Revenue operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme and to meet ongoing overhead costs. Where the funding provided is not used for these purposes, it may be appropriate to recoup. Extensive information on the use of this funding has been provided to the sector, so that it can be used to meet services' costs effectively. My Department will take a reasonable and supportive approach to assessing the use of funding provided to services in this difficult time.
The TWSCS builds on the wider provisions by Government and also recognises the unique place and importance of the childcare sector. Further supports and funding are available from my Department including the Programme Support Payment, which will be paid to eligible services in June. Services may also be eligible for the Restart Grant for Small Business, administered by Local Authorities, and for other supports 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.
602. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that for many childminders reopening will not be feasible or sustainable if they can only provide care to parents that are essential workers; and if she has considered extending financial supports to these childminders. [9868/20]
View answerThe Roadmap for the Reopening of Society and Business 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. On 29 May, in line with the Roadmap, I announced that in Phase 3 childminders will be allowed to work in their own homes. I also announced which children would be eligible to resume full or part-time childcare services from 29 June, both with childminders and in centre-based services. Whilst initially the Government Roadmap had indicated that services would resume only for the children of essential workers, this has now been widened.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) guidance developed by their Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control Division (AMRIC) on 'Infection Prevention and Control guidance for settings providing childcare during the COVID-19 Pandemic' was agreed by NPHET’s Expert Advisory Group and has been published on the HPSC website and on my Department's website. The public health guidance will allow childminders to operate without any significant reductions in capacity. Working in collaboration with Childminding Ireland (the national childminding body funded by my Department), my Department will be publishing guidance specific to childminders in the coming days, based on the HPSC public health advice.
As services reopen, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs will keep the operation of the guidance under close review and take appropriate updated action as required.
I will be announcing the details of financial supports for early learning and care and school-age childcare providers, including childminders, in the coming days.
603. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the expenditure of her Department on the overhead payment to childcare providers following the closure of crèches due to Covid-19 in tabular form. [9870/20]
View answerThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented situation that has required a series of emergency responses from the Government.
I launched the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS) on 15 April. The TWSCS provides substantial funding towards staff wages, and provides for a portion of services’ non-deferrable overhead costs.
As of the 5th June 2020 TWSCS subsidies had been calculated in respect of 1,607 organisations, and totalled €23.3m. Of this, €10.4m related to the overhead contribution.
I note that 3,884 providers have signed a TWSCS funding agreement to-date. As of 5th June 2020 a total of €49.3m has been disbursed under all elements of this scheme. This overall expenditure figure includes TWSCS pre-payments that were made to providers for an initial period following the launch of the scheme, until the information necessary to process overhead and employee-based payments had been collected. It is not possible to extrapolate the amount of these pre-payments that pertained specifically to the overhead contribution.
604. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if additional funding will be provided to childminders and-or centre-based childcare settings to purchase additional PPE materials. [9871/20]
View answerI will be announcing the details of financial supports for early learning and care and school-age childcare providers, including childminders, in the coming days.
605. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is seeking for childcare providers and staff to be deemed as essential workers in order that they can plan and prepare for the reopening of services on 29 June 2020; if she has raised this issue with her Ministerial colleagues; when she expects childcare workers to be included on the essential workers list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9898/20]
View answerOn 27th May, my Department contacted all early learning and care and school-age childcare service providers to inform them that both the Department of An Taoiseach and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs recognise and accept that essential preparations by service providers and their staff will include the necessity to travel to and enter childcare facilities in order to make the facilities ready for operation, and that this work may commence immediately at the discretion of providers.
Travel to and entering of childcare facilities for the preparations to reopen is considered essential work which will be a key part of the steps to achieve a phased reopening of the sector from 29 June.
606. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans for services which normally open for term time once the 12 week wage support scheme ends; the way in which such services will be funded and supported; if staff will instead be placed on jobseeker's allowance or benefit; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9899/20]
View answerMy Department is prioritising the actions necessary for the reopening of childcare services on 29 June and I am actively engaging with key stakeholders in the sector in this regard.
Every year 60% of early learning and care and school age childcare services close for the summer. This represents approximately 2500 of the 4500 services that exist.
Officials from my Department are currently finalising plans for a funding model to support the approximately 2000 services that normally open in July and August to do so. I will be making an announcement on the details of the funding shortly.
With regard to the Deputy's query on whether the staff of services which normally close during the summer months can continue on the Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme or should transfer onto job seekers allowance and other State benefits, this query should be to the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
As stated above, I hope to be making an announcement soon re a funding model for services opening on 29 June, and this will also include some supports for services opening in September. My Department will use the coming weeks to inform a more detailed plan for September onwards. My overall objective remains to retain necessary capacity in the system for when the ECCE ( free preschool) programme resumes in late August / September, and parental demand increases as economic recovery takes place.
607. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans for essential workers that do not use a centre-based setting and do not have access to a childminder on 29 June 2020; if such essential workers will be temporarily allowed use a crèche they previously had not used for the course of phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9900/20]
View answerOn Friday 1 May the Government released its Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, which sets out Ireland's plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions. 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. Childminders may also resume caring for children in the childminder’s home from 29 June.
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. On 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.
It is important to note that, as these are private businesses, the allocation of places within the widened eligibility criteria is a matter for the individual service provider. My Department is providing guidance to help support providers in managing allocation of places when services reopen.
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. It is also a contractual requirement of the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme that services should retain places for children who used them pre-Covid 19.
If a service has additional capacity they may register new families who have not previously used the setting, either on a long-term or a short-term basis depending on the service's capacity.
Subject to local capacity, from 29 June services are encouraged to also 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 whose families are homeless and Tusla referrals) and children funded through legacy childcare schemes who are experiencing poverty, disadvantage or child welfare issues; and
- children with disabilities who previously attended part or full-time early learning and care, including those preparing to start school in September.
Service providers and parents are encouraged to make early contact with each other so that the level of demand and supply for places from 29 June can be known.
Childminders and nannies have been able to continue working in the homes of essential workers throughout the pandemic period. From 29 June, childminders will also be able to return to working in the childminder's home. There are an estimated 15,000 childminders.
