Childcare Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019

Tuesday, 23 July 2019

Ceisteanna (2533)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

2533. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to a reduction in the level of service provided to parents in a childcare provider (details supplied) in Dublin 22 and the potentially negative consequence that this reduction will have on parents ability to secure appropriate childcare in the Dublin 22 area; and the role her Department or Tusla can play in resolving the issues involved to ensure the reduction in service in reversed. [31862/19]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

All service providers are obliged to comply with the relevant childcare regulations as set out in the Child Care Act 1991 as amended by the Child and Family Agency Act 2013.

Also, In order to participate in Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) childcare funding programmes, a service provider must sign the relevant childcare programme funding agreement and agree to abide by the rules of the childcare programme as outlined in the DCYA childcare funding programmes 2018/19 rules document.

It is important to note that childcare service providers are private enterprises and therefore my Department is not in a position to comment on a private tendering process. My Department is not the owner/employer of Early Years or After School services; they are private businesses and their opening hours are a private matter.

I would encourage any parents experiencing difficulties with any aspect of service provision to contact their local City or County Childcare Committee for assistance. Contact details for all of the CCCs are available at myccc.ie.