Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 July 2020
552. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the details of his plans for the establishment of childcare Ireland as outlined in the Programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17045/20]
View answerUnder the Programme for Government, there is a commitment to establish a dedicated agency, Childcare Ireland. The Government envisages that Childcare Ireland will assist in expanding high quality childcare, best practice and innovation in community and private childcare settings.
In 'First Five, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families', published in November 2018, my Department committed to complete a review of the operating model for Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) in this country.
The existing operating model operates across many levels, and includes organisations such as Pobal, 30 City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs), and 7 National Voluntary Childcare Organisations (NVCOs) which are funded by my Department to carry out a range of administrative, operational, communications, and quality improvement and training functions in relation to ELC and SAC services.
The ultimate objective of the proposed review is to ensure the operating system is equipped to implement Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) policy to the standards required. It is hoped that the final system will support high quality, accessible and affordable ELC and SAC services to children and families through the efficient and effective administration of a number of programmes, schemes, quality initiatives, and other functions such a compliance and communications. The operating model resulting from the review should better support service providers, operate transparently and accountably, provide value for money to the Exchequer and demonstrate good governance. The model would enable appropriate linkages and effective working relationships with all other agencies and Departments charged with delivering better outcomes for children and families.
My Department hopes to begin work on the review shortly and will engage with all relevant stakeholders during the process. It is envisaged that the analysis carried out through the review will ultimately provide a robust evidence base to inform a decision by Government on how best to establish Childcare Ireland.
