Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020
35. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration the number of childcare providers that have not reopened; and if he is satisfied that each child that requires a place has access to one. [22316/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is normal for some Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) services to close every year.
Services intending to close must notify the childcare regulator, Tusla. The most recent available data shows that 123 services notified their closure to Tusla for the period to 21 August 2020, while 39 new services notified their intent to open in the same period.
The number of services closing this year to date is actually slightly lower than the same time last year. 200 services closed in 2019 and 150 closed in both 2017 and 2018.
Services close for many reasons. A significant proportion of childcare services operate from the homes of childcare providers, and when these providers choose to retire, onward sale of the business can be very restricted. Others close for career or financial reasons.
For the 2020-21 programme year, 4,068 ELC and SAC services have already signed a childcare Funding Agreement with my Department and are open or intend to open in this programme year. This is already over 90% of last year’s numbers. I anticipate that additional services will sign Funding Agreements over the coming weeks.
Over the summer, despite many reports that services would not reopen, I am delighted to note that 94% of services did indeed open their doors.
I would like to thank and congratulate these providers for the hard work and commitment they showed to leading on the implementation of public health guidelines from June 29 and resuming their services for the benefit of children, families and indeed the economy.
My Department is not aware of any significant unmet need for early learning and childcare places since services began to reopen on 29 June. Indeed, due to lower parental demand, I am aware of many services that have vacancies.
If a parent is having difficulty in finding a place for their child, they should contact their local Childcare Committee for advice on childcare options in their area. Details can be found on myccc.ie
I am committed to continuing to work with the City and County Childcare Committees and representatives of providers to address any issues which may arise in the coming months.
