Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 May 2023
153. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is satisfied with the adequacy of the investigative powers of Pobal where a breach of the core funding model is reported; his views on the procedure which is in place; and his plans to strengthen investigative and remedial mechanisms in place for alleged breaches of the core funding model. [26633/23]
View answerThere are currently more than 4,200 Partner Services participating in Core Funding – representing 95% of all eligible services.
These services must operate in line with the Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement.
Regarding fees, Partner Services must uphold their contractual obligations regarding Fee Management as laid out in this Agreement. In its first year, Partner Services must not increase the fees charged to parents from those charged in September 2021. An increased charge of any kind for an existing and unchanged Service Type will be in breach of Core Funding rules.
In its first year of operation, City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs), Pobal, and my Department are operating a Core Funding Fee Review process whereby any person can seek to have a potential breach regarding Fee Management examined and a conclusion reached. Further guidance on Fee Management and the Core Funding Fee Review Process can be found here: first5fundingmodel.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Together-for-Better-Guidelines-on-Fee-Management-7.pdf.
Where a determination is made of a breach regarding Fee Management, a Partner Service must provide evidence of remedy of that breach within 30 working days. Failure to do so may result in the termination of the Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement.
I would encourage any parent with concerns or questions about fees to contact their local CCC for support and guidance or to initiate a Core Funding Fee Review. The first point of contact for parents and providers on fee issues is their local CCC.
