Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
626. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will review correspondence (details supplied); the reassurance or assistance that will be provided in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45138/20]
View answerKey policy objectives of my Department is to improve affordability, accessibility and quality of early learning and care and school-age childcare. A 117% increase in investment over the last number of years has led to a doubling in the number of children receiving free or subsidised early learning and care and school-age childcare. It has also supported the sector to increase the number of places available – by up to 60 percent.
First 5, the ten-year whole-of-Government strategy for babies, young children and their families pledges to build on this progress. Among key strategic actions in First 5 is a commitment to 'maintain and extend the supply of high-quality publicly subsidised early learning and care and school-age childcare to best serve the developmental needs of babies and young children, ensuring that it also reflects the needs and preferences of parents and families'.
To deliver on this strategic action, a range of actions are under way, including an update of the National Planning Guidelines for the development of early learning and care and school-age childcare settings, the extension of regulation to all paid, non-relative childminders on a phased basis and the development of a strategic capital investment plan to deliver large-scale capital investment under Project 2040. There is also a commitment to strengthen capacity to accurately forecast supply and demand for early learning and care and school-age childcare.
Supply of, and demand for, early learning and care and school-age childcare places is currently monitored annually through the Early Years Sector Profile. This survey is conducted by Pobal on behalf of my Department.
The most recent published report of findings from this survey is on 2019 data. This reveals that the current supply of early learning and care and school-age childcare broadly meets parental demand. However, there is some evidence of capacity issues in certain areas and for certain age groups.
The following table shows the capacity in County Monaghan.
|
County |
Children enrolled |
Vacant places |
Waiting List |
|
Monaghan |
3,925 |
257 |
211 |
There are currently 58 early learning and care and school-age childcare services in Monaghan that are in contract with my Department. Those experiencing difficulties accessing a service can contact Monaghan County Childcare Committee who may be able to provide assistance.
