Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2014
82. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the anticipated timeline for the further development and introduction of the recently-introduced programmes implementation platform; the lead agency or agencies for the PIP; his plans to introduce the system on a county basis; if so, the counties that will pilot or trial the system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27973/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programmes Implementation Platform (PIP) will provide an on-line accessible system that will streamline the administration of the three childcare support programmes, the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, the Training and Employment Childcare (TEC) programmes and the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) programme, currently implemented by my Department.
The new system will substantially reduce paperwork and duplication, simplify administration and enable the support programmes to be managed more efficiently and effectively. PIP, which is being developed by Pobal and my Department, will be rolled out incrementally and the first stage, that will allow services to complete their annual service return, is expected to be in place for the beginning of the new school year in September 2014. The other process facilities available under the system will be rolled out on a phased basis with clear instructions provided to each service prior to each phase.
It is anticipated that access will be available to all participating services throughout the country at the dates of roll out, and support and guidance will be provided to all services throughout by Pobal and the local City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs).
