Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1240. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a moratorium will be put on all deadlines for national childcare scheme applications for all service providers given the difficulties that they are encountering in applying for core funding and the knock-on effect that this is having; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43165/22]
View answerI am aware that the introduction of a new scheme can carry an additional burden on early learning and childcare providers.
In this context and in light of some technical issues with the application process for Core Funding and Interim Funding - now resolved - the application deadline for Core Funding and Interim Funding for providers was extended.
Providers have been advised they can accept the Core Funding and Interim Funding Agreements any time up Friday, 9th September and still receive backdated funding in respect of the 1st September onwards.
Providers can of course accept the Funding Agreements after 9th of September and receive payment from that point onwards.
For providers encountering difficulties in applying for Core Funding and Interim Funding, the Early Year’s Provider Centre (EYPC) is available to. In addition, if a provider requires further support in completing their application, their local County Childcare Committee (CCC) is available to provide assistance to services online or in person.
