Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 September 2020
594. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration the amount of training given to public health nurses on the HIVE and CHICK registration processes; if his attention has been drawn to training deficits in view of the crucial role public health nurses play in early intervention of vulnerable children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25360/20]
View answerThe Childcare Support Act 2018 specifies 5 statutory bodies with which the Minister may make agreements in relation to referral procedures for free or additional childcare. These sponsorship arrangements within the National Childcare Scheme offer additional supports for families with complex and challenging needs that Early Learning and Care can help to address. Where there is a sponsored referral for a child, they will automatically qualify for the maximum number of subsidised hours available, without having to satisfy the Scheme’s eligibility requirements.
Signed agreements are in place with all sponsor bodies, and all sponsor bodies have received training in relation to the NCS.
Public Health Nurses can refer children for sponsored childcare to support child development for children who are below the age for participation in ECCE and where there is an identified need for childcare as a developmental support for the child. I appreciate the vital role that PHNs play in ensuring that extra supports are made available where they are needed.
PHN’s underwent training sessions via webinar on the 18th, 23rd and 30th June (160 attendee’s approx.) 27th August (65 attendee’s approx.) Further sessions are scheduled for 23rd and 24th September and the 7th and 14th October. After each training session the training materials and FAQ’s are updated to reflect the most common issues or questions that they have raised.
In the coming months I hope to see the numbers of children availing of sponsorship increase as awareness rises. Where specific cases are brought to my Department's attention, my officials will work to ensure these children are prioritised.
