Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
996. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if he will investigate the circumstances in regard to the closure of a community based crèche (details supplied) in County Louth; if the relevant officials will be assigned to assess the situation in order to give clarity to the public on the future for childcare in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19808/20]
View answerOn 27 July, officials in my Department were informed that the service in question has reversed its decision to close. The Board of Management is now planning to reopen the crèche on 31 August. My Department is providing support to the service through Louth County Childcare Committee and Pobal.
My Department issues grants and subsidies to early learning and care services so that they can provide quality and affordable childcare. My Department is not directly involved in the day to day activities or decision making processes of individual service providers, whether they are for-profit private organisations or not-for-profit community organisations with a recognised charitable status.
