Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 July 2020
991. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs his plans to establish childcare Ireland; when he expects to have the agency established in order to provide greater support to the childcare sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19744/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to establish a dedicated agency, Childcare Ireland. The Government envisages that Childcare Ireland will assist in expanding high quality childcare, best practice and innovation in community and private childcare settings.
In 'First Five, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families', published in November 2018, my Department committed to a review of the operating model for Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) in this country.
Currently, childcare schemes and initiatives funded by my Department are administered by Pobal, 30 City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs), and 7 National Voluntary Childcare Organisations (NVCOs). These bodies carry out a range of administrative, operational, communications, and quality improvement and training functions in relation to ELC and SAC services. While the structures in place have served the country well, the time is now right to review them and future proof them.
The ultimate objective of the review is to ensure the operating system is equipped to implement the policy of my Department to the standards required. It is hoped that the final system will support the delivery of high quality, accessible and affordable ELC and SAC services to children and families through the efficient and effective administration of a number of programmes, schemes, quality initiatives, and other functions such a compliance and communications. The review will improve transparency, accountability, value for money to the Exchequer, cross agency working and governance.
Earlier this week I brought a Memorandum to Cabinet to advise that I will shortly establish an Interdepartmental Working Group (IDG) to commence work on the review. The IDG, with the assistance of an external contractor, will objectively examine the current model, structure and systems and will recommend improvements based on principles of best practice
The IDG will engage with all relevant stakeholders during the process and it will report back to me next year. I will then bring forward proposals to Cabinet about a reformed operating model.
It is envisaged that the data gathering and analysis carried out through the review will ultimately provide a robust evidence base to inform a decision by Government concerning the establishment of Childcare Ireland.
