Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 February 2021
200. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if an attempt has been made to improve lines of communication between his Department and childcare providers in terms of giving as much notice as possible before announcements are made and making these within working hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7620/21]
View answerMy Department is committed to clear, concise and timely communications with the early learning and care and school age childcare sector, at all times, but particularly during this pandemic.
I acknowledge that a number of recent communications from my Department to childcare providers during current level 5 restrictions have necessitated communications being issued after 5pm.
I wish to advise the Deputy, my Department's intention in respect of these communications was to ensure that the latest information and FAQs on such supports were made available to providers at the earliest opportunity rather than delaying their circulation until the following morning.
I understand and appreciate that communications received in the evenings may cause concern and inconvenience. Accordingly, I have asked officials in my Department to ensure, where possible, that future communications issue to childcare providers during normal business hours.
