Robert Troy
Ceist:54. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the progress made regarding a facility (details supplied) in County Longford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15213/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 28 March 2017
Ceisteanna (54, 619)
Robert Troy
Ceist:619. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to have a community child care service reopened (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15378/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 54 and 619 together.
The service in question closed in February 2016 following a period of intensive support, where my Department made funding available on an exceptional basis to continue service through a crisis. The decision to close was taken by the management of this service. In a bid to ensure continued childcare provision in this disadvantaged area, Pobal and the local County Childcare Committee have co-ordinated with local stakeholders, including Longford County Council, who have committed to infrastructural support to the service. I am prepared to make once-off funding available to assist in the start up of a service also, and have committed to consider any and all proposals from potential operators. Organisations involved at local level have been strong advocates for the provision of a more comprehensive service that would meet the needs of this vulnerable community and reduce the impact of adverse childhood experiences which are prevalent.
However as yet, no stakeholder has been in a position to commit to the establishment and operation of a childcare service. As my Department cannot operate a service directly, we are not in a position to arrange for a re-opened service at this time. I am aware of the need in the area and Pobal and the local County Childcare Committee are continuing to seek partners who may be in a position to operate a childcare service in this area. In the meantime, the County Childcare Committee has worked with impacted families to ensure that they can access childcare in alternative facilities in the area.