Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2020
753. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 1007 of 3 June 2020, if she will address the specific matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11783/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe COVID-19 Pandemic has created major challenges for Ireland. The sudden closure of centre-based Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) services including those providing Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) services on 12 March was an unexpected but necessary move to safeguard public health in Ireland.
The closure of ELC and SAC services due to COVID-19 can be considered a Force Majeure situation.
My Department is not obliged to make payments for ELC and SAC programmes under Force Majeure. Clause 12.1 of the Early Childhood and Care (ECCE) grant funding agreement states “The Department of Children and Youth Affairs is under no obligation to fund ‘Force Majeure’ days and do so at their own discretion.”
However, my Department continued to make ELC and SAC programme payments on an ex-gratia basis from 13 March 2020 to 10 April 2020.
This temporary arrangement was an immediate response to the closures for the purpose of the sustainability of the sector while a more appropriate policy response was being considered.
On 10 April 2020 I wrote to all ELC and SAC services to inform them that these temporary funding arrangements were ceased and a new administrative scheme the Temporary Covid-19 Wage Subsidy Childcare Scheme was launched on 15 April.
