The Mount Street crèche is run by the Civil Service Crèche Co-operative Limited.
I am very much aware of the problems that the closure of the crèche has caused parents. My Department is working very closely with the Civil Service Crèche Co-operative to ensure the Mount Street crèche re-opens as soon as possible.
The crèche had been operated under licence by a manager appointed by the co-operative. However, in September the co-operative decided to allow the licence to expire and to appoint a new manager. The crèche closed on 15 September. In advance of the closure the co-operative entered into discussions with a private crèche management company with a view to engaging it to run the Mount Street crèche.
Following the closure of the crèche, an inspection of the premises by the Eastern Health Board revealed that the premises were below mandatory standards. The Office of Public Works undertook the refurbishment work which it expects to complete by early November. I understand that the new crèche management company will then require some time to install childcare equipment and recruit staff.
I expect that the crèche will reopen shortly with facilities fully in compliance with current health board regulations. My Department is discussing future management arrangements with the Civil Service Crèche Co-operative.
