Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
2357. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the breakdown by project for the capital allocation of €28 million in 2018 to her Vote group; the breakdown by project for the proposed allocation of €32 million in 2019; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35278/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Development Plan sets out the Government`s capital investment priorities that will underpin the new National Planning Framework. My Department has been allocated €156 million in capital expenditure over the period 2018-2022. This includes the provision of €28 million for 2018 and €32 million for 2019.
The €28 million allocation for 2018 is being deployed to support the following:
- €6.7 million towards the early years and school age capital grants scheme to facilitate expanding and improving early years and school age facilities by childcare providers.
- €3.0 million towards the youth capital funding scheme to support targeted staff-led youth projects across the country and a capital grant scheme for play and recreation to support new and existing play and recreation amenities for children and young people.
- €13.9 million for Tusla to meet existing contractual commitments such as the completion of the roll-out of the National Child Care Information System and to commence new projects including the roll-out of the first phase of the agency`s ICT strategy, commence refurbishment of front-line services facilities and staff accommodation and a programme of minor capital works.
- €4.2 million for a range of remedial and improvements works at the Oberstown Children Detention Campus.
The allocation of 2019 capital funding across the various programme areas of my Department will be be considered in the context of the budget/estimates process for next year. However, at this stage I can confirm to the Deputy that the resources will support continued investment in the following areas:
- Childcare, to ensure quality and supply of sufficient childcare places.
- Youth services that support and target disadvantaged young people and improve their employability.
- Tusla, through the continued development of ICT and standards of accommodation, and
- Oberstown Children Detention Campus through the provision of safe and secure places.
