Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 June 2020
1007. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding the response of her Department to Covid-19 in relation to the childcare sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8617/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented situation that has required a series of emergency responses from the Government.
I am acutely aware of the particular impact the pandemic and the emergency measures have had on the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) providers. I am also very conscious of the importance of the ELC and SAC sector for children’s positive development and in terms of supporting the economy as we move beyond this crisis.
Recognising this, I launched the Temporary Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme (TWSCS) on 15 April. This scheme is a very significant measure to support the sector. The aim of the TWSCS is threefold:
- to support the sustainability of the ELC and SAC sector so that it is in a position to reopen after COVID-19;
- to provide parents with a reassurance that if their ELC and SAC provider signs up to the scheme, they are not required to pay fees during this COVID-19 crisis, and they will maintain their ELC / SAC place when services resume and
- to give Early Learning and Care practitioners security and to retain these vital Educators in the sector.
To achieve the objectives set out above, the TWSCS provides substantial funding towards staff wages and provides for a portion of services’ overhead costs. Details of how to sign up have been made available through the Pobal programme platform used by ELC and SAC providers. The TWSCS repurposes existing ELC and SAC monies to layer on top of the Revenue Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS) and to support the multiplicity of ELC and SAC provider types with varying ratios of State income and parental contribution.
The TWSCS builds on the wider provisions by Government and also recognises the unique place and importance of the ELC and SAC sector.
Before COVID-19, a number of supports were available to support services with sustainability issues, and these remain available to services at this time.
Details regarding the operation of the scheme are addressed in a comprehensive set of FAQs that have been published on the DCYA website and shared with providers. The Pobal Service Provider Centre is also available to respond to queries.
My Department has made considerable investment in the sector in recent years. I want to preserve the fruits of this investment for children, families and our much valued ELC and SAC workforce and ensure that, when COVID- 19 has passed, we will have retained as many services, staff and places as possible.
