Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1243. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if transition funding will be backdated to 1 September 2022 for all childcare services given the difficulties that they are having completing their core funding applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43174/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraInterim Funding is currently in place to bridge the gap between the end of the Transition Fund (August 31) and the introduction of Core Funding. Core Funding will come into effect in line with Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) for the sector.
Service providers sign-up for Interim Funding and Core Funding at the same time, following completion of the Core Funding application process. Service providers are required to complete the Core Funding application process and sign-up to be Core Funding Partner Services in order to then contract for Interim Funding. This will ensure that service providers who sign-up for both schemes will receive a payment for the period from September 1 2022 and enable a smooth transition from one scheme to the other once the EROs are in effect.
I am aware that some providers have encountered some technical issues with the application process and there have been some system glitches, most of which have now been resolved. Both CCCs and the Pobal Early Years Provider Centre (EYPC) have been providing a huge level of support to services to navigate these issues. My officials have also engaged with provider representatives to identify other supports needed.
In the context of other pressures at this time of the year, given that there are a small number of providers who have still not managed to have their issue dealt with and having regard to the views of provider representatives, the deadline for providers to accept the Core Funding and Interim Funding agreements, and receive payment for the full duration, has been extended.
Providers have been advised that they can accept the funding agreements any time up to close of business on Friday 9th September and still receive backdated funding in respect of the 1st September onwards.
For the minority of providers who have not yet completed the application process and/or accepted the funding agreements, it is important to do so well in advance of 9th September in order to ensure funding for the full period can be paid promptly and that any support can be accessed in time to meet the deadline.
Providers can of course accept the funding agreements after 9th of September and receive payment from that point onwards, however payments for funding agreements accepted after 9th September will not be backdated.
CCCs and the EYPC remain available to assist with the process. A number of Core Funding training videos are now available on the Early Years Hive.
It is my ambition that the maximum number providers choose to participate in this partnership to deliver ELC and SAC for the public good and come into contract for Core Funding and I look forward to working with Partner Services under this new funding model.
