Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
915. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 1124 of 20 May 2020, if the minutes of all meetings held by the advisory group tasked with overseeing the phased reopening of childcare services will be published; if same can be made available following each session of the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11339/20]
View answerThe Advisory Group on Planning for the Phased Reopening of Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare was convened to inform work on reopening services in line with the Roadmap for Reopening Business and Society. The Terms of Reference for the Advisory Group are as follows:
- To identify key issues to be considered by DCYA in developing the Plan for Phased Reopening of ELC/SAC services
- To support DCYA with the identification of existing evidence and/or the generation of new evidence to inform the work
- To propose options and/or provide feedback on options under consideration by the DCYA
- To contribute to the development of resources for parents, providers and practitioners
- To formally engage and consult with others stakeholders, including wider members of the Early Years Forum on elements of the Plan at the direction of the DCYA and provide feedback.
- To support the DCYA with dissemination of the final Plan.
This Group held an inaugural meeting on 13 May 2020 and has worked intensively since this time. The Group has met on seven occasions to date.
In accordance with the Terms of Reference, my Department provides secretariat to Advisory Group and prepares minutes from each meeting to record decisions taken and actions agreed.
The minute from meetings will be published on my Department’s website once agreed and approved by the members of the Advisory Group. Minutes already approved will be published very shortly.
