I have received representations from public representatives and members of the public, outlining concerns in relation to the proposed sale of the site to which the Deputy refers.
I understand the centre located on the site to which the Deputy refers is in receipt of funding from a number of public bodies. Tusla provides funding to family and community services provided by the centre located on site. Separately, Tusla leases temporary accommodation for Tusla Cork-based child and family services staff.
In 2018, the centre in question received funding of €201,000 from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to run a range of Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) programmes.
The Centre currently runs the following ELC and SAC programmes:
- the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme,
- the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM),
- the Community Childcare Subvention Plus (CCSP) programme,
- the Training and Employment Childcare (TEC) programmes.
Cork City Childcare Committee and Pobal are currently engaging with the service in question in relation to the proposed sale of the site. Cork City Childcare Committee and Pobal are available to provide support to the service as and when required.
In 2018, the centre in question also received funding of €1.5 million from Tusla, the Child and Family Agency to provide a range of child and family services.
I have requested Tusla to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to operational matters regarding any plans to close child and family services on this site, and alternative arrangements, which may need to be put in place for services and staff should the services close.
I also understand that the Health Service Executive provides Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) on the site.
