Michael Creed
Ceist:318 Mr. Creed asked the Minister for Education and Science the assistance, if any, available from his Department by way of grant aid towards the establishment of crèches. [3970/00]
Written Answers. - Provision of Crèches.
(Dr. Woods): Measures to raise standards and assist the development of early childhood education provision are set out in the White Paper on Early Childhood Education "Ready to Learn" which was published on 17 December last. Although care and education are closely linked for the under six age group, the focus of the White Paper is on educational aspects. Crèches which include an element of educational provision may qualify for assistance, but this will be primarily in the form of advice, support, evaluation and inspection.
At present my Department provides no assistance by way of grant aid towards the establishment of crèches, except in relation to supporting access to the vocational training opportunity scheme – VTOS – Youthreach and senior traveller training programmes for unemployed adults and early school leavers, as described below.
In relation to vocational training opportunity scheme, Youthreach and senior traveller training centres, a budget of £2.357 million this year has been provided to vocational education committees to support access of participants with children to the programmes. The grant covers: direct provision of crèches; purchase of places on existing community or commercial crèches subject to a maximum of £50 per week per child; and payment of child minders, subject to a maximum of £50 per week per child, tax compliance, and registration as required under the Child Care Acts.