Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 May 2012
167 Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a child (details supplied) is now eligible under the community childcare subvention programme to receive free childcare if they attend a community creche one or two days per week at this present time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23450/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department implements the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme which provides funding to community childcare services to enable them to charge reduced childcare rates to low income and disadvantaged families. Parents who are in receipt of a Widows or Widowers Pension are eligible for subvention under the CCS programme. Parental returns are submitted to my Department by participating community childcare services following the commencement of each school year. Funding is then allocated in that school year on the basis of the profile of the qualifying parents and the level of service provided to them. No new additional places can be funded over and above those provided for on the basis of the profiles returned. Eligible parents who enrol their children in these services after the submission of the parental returns will only be able to avail of subvented places where other subvented parents leave the service.
168 Deputy Patrick O’Donovan asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide an update on an application for funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23599/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI secured €6m capital funding in Budget 2012 to fund a maintenance programme for childcare facilities. The funding will provide for urgent and essential repairs to childcare facilities to ensure that they are in a position to remain open and continue to provide the three childcare programmes implemented by my Department. The maximum grant available to individual services under the programme is €50,000 (including VAT).
Pobal is administering the capital programme on behalf of my Department, and I understand that the appraisal process in now in train. In appraising applications, particular consideration and priority will be given to:
Applications that are accompanied by a Health Service Executive preschool inspection report supporting the need for the proposed works in terms of compliance with the Preschool Regulations.
Applications that best demonstrate the need for the proposed works, in terms, for example, of quality improvement to the childcare service.
Services previously funded under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006, or the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010.
Services located in or servicing areas of disadvantage.
The service's previous record in relation to adherence to contractual obligations under previous capital and current funding programmes.
When the appraisal process is complete, Pobal will make recommendations to my Department in respect of the applications. The appraisal process is expected to be completed by the end of May. When the applications have been approved, the successful applicants will be notified by my Department. Subsequent arrangements regarding contract, payment, reporting and audit will be dealt with by Pobal on behalf of the Department.
