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Childcare Services Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 December 2018

Thursday, 13 December 2018

Ceisteanna (7)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

7. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way in which the €1.2 million funding to provide first aid training for each registered childcare service has been dispersed by county; the number of childcare providers that have availed of the service; and the average amount dispersed to each facility. [52441/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The allocation of €1.2million was made in Budget 2019 and I am pleased to confirm that preparations are well under way for roll-out of training to every registered early learning and care service to meet the new First Aid Response (FAR) standard. Roll out is expected to begin early in 2019, for completion by 1st June 2020. June 2020 is the date after which Tusla will require every service to meet the new standard.

During 2019 and the first half of 2020, my Department will provide funding to allow one free place on a First Aid Response training course for every service provider in the country. The training will be organised through the City and County Childcare Committees.

Early learning and care providers are all familiar with their City and County Childcare Committee and should be in regular contact with them. In early 2019, the City and County Childcare Committee will be in contact with each service in their area to ensure that they have the opportunity to access the first aid training.

The training will be organised and paid for by the City and County Childcare Committees, through funding provided by my Department. The training will be free at the point of delivery for the staff attending. As a result, no money will be disbursed to early learning and care service providers.

There are currently 4,519 early learning and care service providers in contract with my Department. Initially, City and County Childcare Committees will be asked to prioritise services who do not have First Aid Response training already and who have other first aid training that is due to expire soon, but they will ensure that all service providers are given the opportunity to have a staff member attend the training.

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