Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
502. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the current status of afterschool childcare and the way restrictions will apply to such childcare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43676/21]
View answerEarly Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age childcare (SAC) services are permitted to operate in line with the public health guidance for the sector.
Sector-specific public health guidance for ELC and SAC services operating during the pandemic was published in May 2020 by the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and has been updated on a number of occasions since, with the latest version published on 30 August 2021. The guidance is available at www.hpsc.ie/a-z/lifestages/childcare/
Please note that this guidance is expert advice published by the HSE and based on the latest evidence available in relation to Covid-19. The guidance is kept under review by the HSE and my Department and is updated in line with the latest public health advice.
In relation to the operation of both ELC and SAC services that are located on school premises, my Department regularly engages with colleagues in the Department of Education. The Department of Education encourage schools to facilitate requests for the provision of such services where possible, though priority must be given to the interests of the schools, teachers and pupils. It is also important to note that schools are run by their Board of Management and so the decision on whether or not to facilitate SAC or ELC services on the premises ultimately lies with the Board of Management.
