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Childcare Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 January 2021

Thursday, 14 January 2021

Questions (136)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

136. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Education the measures being taken to support parents who are classified as essential workers following the announcement of the closure of schools in January 2021, for example, situations in which both parents are essential workers and need support; the plans in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [2138/21]

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Written answers

My colleague the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has provided me with the following information in relation to childcare supports available for essential workers.  

Between 11th and 31st January, access to early learning and childcare services is restricted to the children of essential workers and vulnerable children.  Essential workers are those that work in the list of essential services published on gov.ie, and include those working in education.  One parent who is an essential worker confers eligibility on the child to access a service.  For the purposes of accessing early learning and childcare services, an essential worker may be working from home.   

Early Learning and Childcare and school aged childcare services (ELC/SAC services) can remain open on a restricted basis, to offer services only to the children of essential workers and to vulnerable children only. Childcare providers are asked to ensure that a place is available for all children of essential workers within their service. Employers should facilitate requests for letters from employees for childcare purposes if required. 

Childminders (both regulated and unregulated) can operate on the same basis as centre-based provision to provide services to the children of essential workers only and to vulnerable children.

A household of an essential worker can form a bubble with another household for the purpose of providing childcare. However, parents are asked to bear in mind the increased risk from Covid-19 for older people. 

My Department has also published a leaflet and FAQs for parents in relation to childcare supports during this period of school closure.

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