Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 November 2019
584. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if her attention has been drawn to the fact that three of the four crèches (details supplied) are at the highest level and final stages of enforcement which includes proposals to remove and prosecute; the plans in place to facilitate families discommoded if the crèches are closed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47853/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla Early Years Inspectorate provides regular updates to my Department in relation to services that are being removed from the Register of early years services or are being prosecuted, and in relation to the ongoing work of Tusla's National Registration and Enforcement Panel.
It is not possible for me to comment on individual services that may be subject to regulatory or prosecutorial enforcement actions as this may limit or prejudice the legal processes involved, which would not be in the best interest of children and families.
Thirty City/County Childcare Committees across the country are available to support parents and providers with issues relating to early learning and care and school age childcare. In the area in question, Dublin City Childcare Committee is available to support parents who may need assistance with sourcing alternative service provision – whether because a service is closed or simply because they wish to seek an alternative – and the City Childcare Committee has been working with local providers to ascertain availability of places, and with new services in the area who intend to create additional places both in the short and longer term. Dublin City Childcare Committee can be contacted as follows: phone - (01) 873 3696 or email - info@dccc.ie
