Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 February 2018
554. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on the request by a resource centre (details supplied) in County Clare that the licence for childcare services be removed from a company allowing the resource centre to continue working with families and disadvantaged communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5505/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency has advised that following the closure of certain childcare facilities in County Clare in 2016, the centre to which the Deputy refers provided support to Pobal, the relevant County Childcare Committee, and parents and families. At that time, the co-ordinator of the centre informed Tusla that it had been requested to take over the management of the childcare facilities. Tusla agreed that this would take place on an interim basis of six months, on the stipulation that regular updates and documentary evidence of progress be supplied.
The centre in question later advised Tusla that its responsibility for managing the childcare facilities was at an end, and that a local company would be managing the facilities for an 18 month period, during which time a new structure would be established.
Organisations enter into a contract with my Department in order to take part in one of its early years programmes. Cessation of a contract with a service will only occur in the event of serial contractual non-compliance, which would be established by Pobal and my Department, or in the event of serious regulatory non-compliance, which would be established by Tusla. Contracts are entered into on a yearly basis, beginning in September.
Tusla has advised that it will engage with relevant agencies in the area to establish whether the property referred to by the Deputy offers an opportunity for the centre in question.
