Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 January 2017
1684. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will report on the proposed free child care scheme for homeless children in Dublin; and if there are plans for the scheme to extend to children outside Dublin. [41506/16]
Amharc ar fhreagra1685. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the timeline for rolling out free child care hours for homeless children in the County Kildare area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41544/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1684 and 1685 together.
As part of the “Rebuilding Ireland – an Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness”, my Department has commenced the rollout of a special provision under the current Community Childcare Subvention Programme (entitled CCS Transitional), which will provide access to free childcare for children of families experiencing homelessness. The provision aims to provide subvention for all pre-school children aged 0-5 inclusive, including those of ECCE eligible age range (i.e. 3-5 years inclusive). This provision is also designed to help those transitioning from homelessness to permanent accommodation.
A flat rate of €110 per week, for part-time childcare over 5 days per week will be paid in relation to each child attending under CCS Transitional, for the eligible duration of their childcare place. A daily meal must be provided for each child, the cost of which is included in the subvention rate.
Enrolment of children under this programme opened for Service providers with effect from Monday 2nd January 2017. Approximately 50 providers have applied thus far.
Focus Ireland are working closely with my Department to identify eligible families. The Dublin based City and County Childcare Committees will continue to encourage and support relevant childcare providers to engage with this new provision.
Initial figures for the numbers of children are not yet available pending the completion of the registration process.
While the provision was initially rolled out in the Dublin area, given that the substantial majority of eligible children are in the Dublin area, DCYA are currently examining mechanisms to make the subvention available outside of Dublin.
