I propose to take Questions Nos. 246 and 247 together.
I wish to inform the Deputy that as no appropriate childcare facilities are available in the Ballaghaderreen area, a new childcare facility is being developed at Abbeyfield Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre to provide a childcare service for to the significant number of children living with their parents in the Centre.
My Department is providing appropriate premises commensurate with childcare requirements defined under Childcare Regulations.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs which has responsibility for the delivery of childcare services is ensuring, through Roscommon County Childcare Committee, that an appropriate structure is in place to govern and manage the childcare facility along with employing childcare staff.
Funding for the premises is being provided by my Department through the contract with the Emergency Reception and Orientation Centre. Funding for services will be provided by Department of Children and Youth Affairs through the Community Childcare Subvention Resettlement/Relocation scheme.