Vol. 434 No. 9
141 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Finance the Government Departments which provide créche facilities; the uptake of the facility by staff; his views on whether the créche facility in the workplace encourages a parent with young children to go back to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
There is one créche for the children of civil servants at present. It opened in April 1992 in existing office space in Lower Mount Street in Dublin. The management of the créche is the responsibility of a co-operative set up by the staff unions. The day-to-day running costs are met from the fees paid by clients to the créche. The créche reached its full capacity shortly after opening, and is currently providing a service for 30 children.
The Civil Service is an equal opportunities employer. The provision of a workplace créche is one of the facilities to help staff to combine work and family responsibilities.
