Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 June 2020
619. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if new applicants are also eligible to receive funding in relation to the capital programme for the childcare sector; if funding is only for existing childcare providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10365/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2015 my Department has administered an annual capital funding programme, under which service providers are invited to apply for capital funding to increase the capacity of their services, and to maintain and improve their services. Providers can apply for funding if they are registered with Tusla. Services must register with Tusla before they can open and provide childcare services.
In 2020 I secured €7.2m in capital funding for early learning and care (ELC) and school age childcare (SAC). I launched the application programme for the 2020 Capital Programme on 28 February. I suspended the Capital Programme on 26 March, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
I am currently reviewing the allocation of the 2020 capital budget and I intend to launch a new capital grant programme in the coming days. Under this new capital grant programme, funds will be made available to enable existing Tusla registered childcare providers to carry out preparatory work in advance of opening. The application process, which will be administered by Pobal, will go live in the coming days. The application process will be user-friendly and simple to use. Providers will receive confirmation of the funding they are to receive before they reopen.
