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Childcare Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020

Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Ceisteanna (752)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

752. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the costs associated with the pilot meal programme being planned in early learning and care under First 5, the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028; the settings that will be covered; the number of children that will be covered in the pilot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12774/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

First 5, the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028 commits to piloting a meals programme in Early Learning and Care (ELC) settings. In 2019, as part of Budget 2020, funding was secured to pilot this initiative. The meals programme will be trialled in a sample of approximately 45 community, not-for-profit ELC settings. The focus of the pilot is for children participating in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme.

 Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pilot was due to run for the full duration of the 2020/2021 ECCE programme year (i.e. 38 weeks from September to June). Pilot timelines have been altered due to the closure of ELC settings but it is intended to run the pilot from January 2021 to the end of June 2021.  

A range of meals options will be piloted, including a hot meals option. Rates for meals will be based on the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection’s School Meals Programme. A Working Group to oversee this pilot will soon be established to lead the development, roll-out of the pilot and the commission of services of an external evaluator. No decision has yet been made on how the settings will be selected. 

Following the conclusion of the pilot and the evaluation, consideration will be given to extending this meals programme to a larger number of ELC settings and on a more a permanent basis.

Question No. 753 answered with Question No. 748.
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