Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 January 2018
553. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address issues (details supplied) in relation to capital funding for child care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3221/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn budget 2018 I secured €6.86 million in capital funding for the expansion and improvement of early years and school age childcare services in Ireland. This capital funding will directly support outdoor play areas, extra spaces and essential maintenance, for example. The investment reflects my on-going commitment to developing quality, affordable childcare in Ireland, and assisting providers in delivering high quality services to parents and children.
One of the key objectives of my Department for 2018 was to open this capital scheme as early as possible to enable the evaluation and award process early in the year and the works to be completed by year end. This is based on feedback from providers regarding previous capital programmes and I am delighted that we have made some progress in this regard. My Department first notified the Capital 2018 programme to providers in November 2017. This early notification aimed to achieve an earlier application window (opening in February 2018), and an earlier commencement of works (end May 2018), than in 2017. It is intended that this will allow services the opportunity to commence their capital works as early as possible after applications are approved in May 2018.
With respect to 2 of the 5 strands of Capital 2018: as in previous years, priority has been given to community/not for profit services, many of which were established using significant state investment under previous capital programmes, the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme (EOCP) or the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP). In such cases, capital funding for maintenance of these properties is released in accordance with public spending guidelines, with the aim of protecting the value of previous significant investment by the state.
Furthermore, as community services are non-profit-making, the capital funding available under Strands 2 and 5 is intended to assist where private financing may not be achievable. The key aim of Strand 2 and 5 grants will be to ensure that community services continue to be fit for purpose with capital funds contributing towards the provisions of, for example, essential repairs to the existing building and facilities, replacement of the building’s fixtures and fittings, and/or works highlighted as a direct result of an inspection by TUSLA or other competent authorities.
My Department and I remain committed to developing the annual Early Years Capital programme in respect of the needs of children and providers, with the aim of providing childcare facilities of the highest quality. My Department has supported both private and community services over the last number of years and our intention is to continue to do so. My Department is also currently enhancing its capacity to examine medium and long term needs in the sector and this will enable further analysis of the need for multiannual and larger scale capital development.
