Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1229. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline the changes that took place to the ready reckoner for childcare providers; when those changes took place; the reason they took place; if childcare providers were notified in relation to the changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42759/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Friday the 12th August, Pobal issued the following communication to the sector at 11:30 via the Early Years Platform:
“Pobal also wishes to notify service providers that for a short period, between the 28th July and the 5th August, the Ready Reckoner tool produced incorrect estimate values. This has now been rectified and the Ready Reckoner is performing as expected. Pobal wish to apologise for any inconvenience caused.
As advised in the communications that issued alongside the Ready Reckoner, the tool is not an exact calculation and should not be relied on for financial planning. The Core Funding Ready Reckoner gives an approximate indication of your potential value for Core Funding based on the information that you provide in response to the questions asked.
The Core Funding application process which is now available provides the most accurate Core Funding value that services can expect.”
The technical issue arose as a result of the Application process going live on the Early Years platform. Again, I would like to reiterate that all results provided by the Ready Reckoner are estimates and should not be relied on for financial planning. However, the incorrect answers were only being produced in the period identified, and any results prior to and after the period defined above should be considered as providing accurate estimates based on the information provided.
If service providers require further support with completing their application, I would urge them to contact their local City and County Childcare Committee (CCC). Individual support sessions can be organised and CCCs are available to guide services through the Core Funding application process.
