Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2018
597. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the closure of a preschool (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53317/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, my Department does not directly provide childcare services - rather we administer a number of schemes and initiatives to support families access affordable and high quality childcare. These schemes are available via regulated childcare providers. Providers include individuals, companies and community/not-for-profit groups. Pobal and 30 City and County Childcare Committees across the country are funded by my Department to perform a range of functions related to childcare including the provision of support to local services.
I understand that Castlemaine Family Resource Centre has indicated its intention to close the service early in 2019. I understand it has made this announcement early to facilitate families to seek alternative provision.
Castlemaine Family Resource Centre requested support from Pobal and Kerry Childcare Committee to address issues faced by its Board. Pobal advised the Board that it was assessing ways of providing support, including the possibility of funds to access external expertise and HR support. Kerry CCC has also made itself available to aid the Board to develop a plan of action for the future of the childcare element of their Centre.
While the Department, Pobal and local CCCs are available to provide support to services and help them through periods of difficulty, the decision to remain open ultimately lies with the service provider, and in this case its Board. Unfortunately, on this occasion, the providers have decided to close the service noting recruitment issues, limited access to facilities including an outside play area, and the impact the childcare service is having on the time the Board has to operate the whole Family Resource Centre.
Kerry CCC has contacted other local childcare services to notify them of the closure of Maine Valley Childcare. It is my understanding that local services will be able to offer an alternative service to all the children and families concerned. Both Pobal and Kerry CCC will continue to support the Board through the planned closure process and to assist families with finding alternative provision if required.
My Department has historically offered support to communities seeking to re-activate a closed childcare service. If it emerges that a need exists for a replacement service in the area, this assistance will continue to be made available.
