Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 June 2021
997. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the funding allocated in 2020 on the once-off Covid-19 capital grant for providers funded by his Department opening between 29 June 2020 and early September 2020; and the amount of this allocation that was spent in 2020. [31647/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department operates a number of early learning and school-age childcare funding schemes, which are administered by Pobal on behalf of my Department. These include capital grants schemes for providers.
The COVID-19 Capital grant consisted of a once-off capital grant for childcare services and childminders registered with Tusla, or notified to their City or County Childcare Committee. This grant was to help services to adhere to the reopening guidelines by improving hygiene facilities and outdoor play areas. Permissible expenditure under the grant included:
- Outdoor play equipment;
- Outdoor shade and shelter to enable outdoor play as much as possible;
- Additional hand-washing and toilet facilities;
- Purchase of partitions or room dividers to enable play pods to remain separate in larger rooms; and
- Installation of screens in reception areas.
The following table shows the amount allocated and the amount drawn down under this scheme.
|
Scheme |
Allocation (€m) |
Drawdown (€m) |
|
Covid-19 Capital |
€ 14.2 |
€ 13.0 |
