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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 11 Nov 1999

Vol. 510 No. 5

Written Answers. - Child Care Services.

Cecilia Keaveney

Ceist:

197 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views in relation to recommendation 1.1.8 of the Donegal task force initiative report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23075/99]

I am aware of recommendation 1.1.8 of the Donegal Task Force Initiative in relation to child care support for areas of high unemployment. The Deputy may be aware that my Department provides funding for the development of community based child care facilities, particularly in disadvantaged areas, under the equal opportunities child care programme. The programme operates from a social inclusion and equal opportunities perspective. It supports the development of child care facilities which assist women and men to avail of employment, education and training opportunities. I would like to add that child care will be a priority in the National Development Plan and, as the Deputy may be aware, I am at present chairing a ministerial group on the child care issue.

It is acknowledged that there is an information deficit in relation to the level of supply of child care places and the level of current or future demand for child care services in each county. My Department has commissioned Area Development Management Limited to develop a national child care census and database which would provide information on child care provided in group settings on a county by county basis. The cost of the project is met through EU, and Exchequer funding.

Data is being gathered at county level which will lead to the production of reports which will include maps and tables providing information on the types of facilities available, usage of child care services, staffing levels and the cost of such services. The intention is that these reports will facilitate analysis of future demand for services against population projections, etc. assisting the identification of gaps in service provision and the effective application of funding supports at regional and local levels.

I understand that the data collection process in County Donegal is almost completed at this stage. It is aimed to have reports for all counties finalised by early next year.

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