Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 March 2017
55. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to tackle the threat of imminent closures of community-based crèches due to high operational costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15217/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, Pobal and the County & City Childcare Committees (CCCs) work closely with services that experience financial difficulty. As the Deputy knows, in Budget 2017, I was pleased to secure additional funding of €14.5m, to help ease the burden of administration on childcare providers by paying for 'non-contact time' on top of existing payments. Officials are making the arrangements necessary to administer this payment, which will be made in summer 2017.
In addition, I have made provision for €1 million of funding to be provided to services whose sustainability is challenged by the full implementation of the Childcare Regulations 2016, particularly in relation to their reliance on Community Employment Scheme participants.
Given the importance of financial sustainability for the provision of quality childcare, the Programme for Government committed to conducting and publishing an independent review of the cost drivers associated with providing quality childcare in Ireland. This commitment aligns closely with work on the development of the Affordable Childcare Scheme, including options for further development of the Scheme over time. Initial scoping work on the independent review is being progressed in that context. The independent review is a priority action for the Department in 2017.
Any service experiencing difficulties should contact Pobal or their City/County Childcare Committee who will liaise with officials in my Department
