Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2020
863. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if a crèche (details supplied) is receiving subsidies; if it is eligible for same in view of the fact that at the beginning of July 2020 it announced an increase in its prices to parents, which is not in line with subsidies announced during the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14844/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra864. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the funding provided to a facility (details supplied) to allow it to reopen on 29 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15018/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 863 and 864 together.
On 10 June 2020, my predecessor announced a major funding package to facilitate the reopening of early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services. In accordance with the Government Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, and guided by the expert advice of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC), ELC and SAC services can resume from 29 June. Government has committed a €75m package of funding for reopening services over the summer months. This substantial investment recognises the important role that the ELC and SAC sector plays in the societal and economic infrastructure of the country.
The new funding package contains four significant elements:
- A once-off Reopening Support Payment (RSP) for DCYA-funded service providers opening between 29 June and early September.
- A once-off COVID-19 capital grant for DCYA-funded service providers opening between 29 June and early September.
- Continued access for eligible service providers to the Revenue-operated Temporary Wage Subsidy Scheme (TWSS)
- Resumption of DCYA ELC and SAC programmes. NCS, CCSP and TEC will be available again for children attending ELC and SAC services from 29 June.
In developing the funding package, my Department recognises that a reduced number of children are likely to attend ELC and SAC services in the initial weeks of reopening. This funding package is tailored to allow providers to operate with potentially less parental income and to assist in meeting the possible costs associated with complying with public health requirements.
Pobal has informed my Department that the service in question has signed up for the RSP and COVID-19 Capital Grant, and will continue to operate CCSP and NCS.
It is a condition of the RSP scheme that participating services must apply the Registered Fees List that was in place on March 12th 2020, without amendments, for the duration of the scheme. Where possible services are requested to avoid charging fees, deposits or other measures to hold places creating a strain for families in difficult circumstances. If a service provider feels that these measures are necessary, then they should be as minimal as possible.
My Department takes compliance with scheme rules seriously, and will work with Pobal to institute checks on service providers participating in this funding package. This includes following-up where a potential breach of scheme rules, as in this instance, is brought to my Department's or Pobal's attention. If the Deputy has further information that may be of assistance, my officials will review it and consider further action as appropriate.
