Family Support Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 October 2004

Wednesday, 27 October 2004

Ceisteanna (138)

David Stanton

Ceist:

242 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if the discussions with the officials from the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Health and Children, Education and Science and health board representatives to ensure a more co-ordinated approach to the provision of crèche and pre-school supports have concluded; the progress which has been made as a result of these discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26023/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mr. Brennan)

Officials of my Department engaged in discussions earlier this year with the Departments of Health and Children, Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Education and Science, the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards to identify and put in place suitable funding arrangements for crèches for 2004 and subsequent years. Some local funding difficulties in relation to 2004 were resolved in light of these discussions. My Department is also continuing to maintain payment of any existing supplement arrangements for 2004. This issue will be given further consideration in context with the 2005 Estimates and budget processes.