Vol. 492 No. 6
116 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 133 of 9 June 1998, the total budget for services funded by the health boards and the approximate cost per place per year. [14716/98]
The total budget for pre-school services funded by health boards is included in the global funding allocated for the strengthening of child care and family support services on an ongoing basis. The cost per year of a pre-school place can vary considerably depending on the age of the child, duration of placement, geographic location and any special arrangements which a child may require.
However, I have been advised by a number of health boards that the approximate average payment per place per year ranges from £1,000 for half day placement to in excess of £2,000 for full day placement.
