Dáil Éireann Debate, Friday - 16 September 2016
1898. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if there has been any engagement by her Department with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs on the provision of child care facilities and support to entrepreneurs intending to start up businesses; and the potential cost to the Exchequer of such support. [26233/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere has been ongoing engagement with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in relation to childcare through the Action Plan for Jobs process and APJ 2016 contains an action for that department to continue to invest in childcare to support labour market participation.
I wrote to Minister Zappone in July seeking specific measures within the remit of her Department that could be included in the 2017 Action Plan.
I specifically sought measures to increase labour market participation, including initiatives to support parents to take up employment.
As the Deputy correctly points out, childcare policy and any government programmes are a matter for the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, as is the costing of any such programmes.
