Jack Wall
Ceist:37 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of additional child care places funded by his Department provided since the beginning of 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18319/99]
Vol. 508 No. 2
37 Mr. Wall asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of additional child care places funded by his Department provided since the beginning of 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18319/99]
Health boards provide financial supports to certain pre-school services which cater for children who are regarded as being at-risk or disadvantaged. This function is in keeping with the boards overall responsibilities under the Child Care Act, 1991, in regard to the promotion of the welfare of children and provision of family support services. Funding of approximately £3.26 million is being provided by the health boards towards the service in 1999. The number of places currently funded is 7,000 approximately.