Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2326. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a fund or a capital grant is available to help in the construction of a childcare facility (details supplied) in County Meath that is in danger of closing due to the decision by a landlord to convert the centre to housing. [33290/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAppraisal and decisions for 2018's Early Years and School Age Capital programmes have now completed and the budget for these has been allocated in total. There will be no further Capital programmes in 2018.
Planning for 2019's Capital offering is currently underway and the details of this will be communicated to providers in due course.
Although both Community and Private services play a vital role in their communities, financial supports are currently targeted at the Community Sector. It is unfortunately not possible for my Department to provide direct financial assistance to Private childcare services at present. I would recommend that the service contact Pobal immediately. Pobal have a dedicated team that assess services facing crisis situations and are able to provide non-financial assistance or support.
