Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 March 2014
510. Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Social Protection if there are any further measures planned to support lone parents in getting access to affordable child care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13354/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn Budget 2013, a joint initiative between the Department and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs (D/CYA) was announced to provide subsidised after-school child care places for low-income families who enter employment. The purpose of the after-school child care (ASCC) scheme is to help to offset some of the after-school child care costs that are associated with availing of an employment opportunity in a bid to encourage more individuals to take up employment. The scheme supports those who are unemployed as well as one-parent family payment (OFP) recipients. The ASCC scheme is available nationwide since 31 October, 2013 and will provide 800 subsidised after-school child care places in 2014.
Following Budget 2014 the Childcare Employment and Training Support (CETS) Programme was expanded from 1 January, 2014 to include Community Employment (CE) participants. There are 1,800 places available nationally. Access to the CETS Programme for CE participants means they can now access subsidised child care for the first time in the same way as participants pursuing Education and Training Boards courses. Feedback from CE sponsors is that the lack of access to affordable child care is a barrier to participation on CE for parents with young children, particularly lone parents. This measure is an important provision in their engagement. Lone parents currently on CE and those in receipt of the OFP prior to commencement on CE are particularly welcome to take up a CETS subsidised childcare place.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs has responsibility for the wider provision of childcare and any further childcare measures planned would be a matter for that Department.
