Written Answers Nos. 51-76
52. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán soiléiriú a thabhairt ar stádas An tAthbhreithniú ar chás na gcoláistí samhraidh; cathain a chríochnófar An tAthbhreithniú; agus an ndéanfaidh sí ráiteas ina thaobh. [56944/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraTá an cheist trí chéile maidir le bunú a leithéid de ghrúpa oibre á breithniú ag mo Roinn faoi láthair. Ar mhaithe le haghaidh láithreach a thabhairt ar na bealaí a bhféadfaí tacú tuilleadh le hearnáil na gColáistí Gaeilge, cheadaigh mé roinnt beartas faoi leith i mbliana.
De thoradh na mbearta sin:
- tá ardú ar fiú 20% curtha leis an deontas a íoctar faoi Scéim na bhFoghlaimeoírí Gaeilge le teaghlaigh a choinníonn scoláirí;
- tá cistíocht ar fiú €400,000 curtha ar fáil le deiseanna breise a sholáthar do lucht freastail iar-bhunscoileanna DEIS seal freastal a dhéanamh ar chúrsa Gaeilge sa Ghaeltacht; agus
- tá ardú 300% ceadaithe don deontas tosaithe aon uaire atá iníochta le teaghlaigh nua a chláraíonn den chéad uair faoin scéim.
Táim sásta go n-imreoidh na bearta éagsúla seo tionchar dearfach ar an earnáil sa bhliain amach romhainn.
53. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the way in which climate action, adaptation and sustainability will be considered and prioritised in the development of the sports campus at Abbotstown; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56952/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Tuesday, the Government approved a new Masterplan for the development of the Sport Ireland Campus. The Masterplan, which will be published later today, provides a framework for the further development of the campus over the next 15 to 20 years.
Sustainability and energy-efficiency are key elements of the campus masterplan. Passive design strategies and energy-efficient buildings will be used throughout the campus, supported by the implementation and integration of renewable and recoverable energy on site. Sustainable construction technologies and a circular economy strategy will be adopted as part of the Masterplan to reduce embodied carbon and minimise waste within all developments on the campus. The Masterplan aims to have net-zero emissions on all new facilities by 2030.
Additionally, a key component of the masterplan vision is to facilitate a paradigm shift away from the car and towards more sustainable modes of public transport. It is intended to achieve a reduction of the car modal share to 45% for non-event-related trips and 35% for event-related trips to the campus within the lifetime of the Masterplan. It is also proposed that campus car parks will incorporate EV charging points to support and encourage the wider use of EVs by athletes, staff and visitors. Work on this is already underway.
The Masterplan vision seeks to encourage cycling and walking as a sustainable means of transport to and through the campus, while providing a valuable public amenity to the surrounding community.
The landscape strategy for the Masterplan vision seeks to enrich the existing ecology on site while creating new habitats and environments to encourage biodiversity. The Masterplan will introduce a number of sustainable drainage features within the landscape to control the flow of surface water and manage discharge into the local water course.
54. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the measures that her Department is taking to increase female participation in Irish sports at a local and professional level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56301/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAddressing women’s participation at all levels in sport is an important element of the National Sports Policy.
The Women in Sport funding programme is an important support for sporting bodies in putting programmes in place to increase women’s participation in their sports and to progress their strategic objectives for women in sport. Last year, Sport Ireland announced an investment of €4 million in the Women in Sport Programme for the 2021 - 2022 period. 45 National Governing Bodies (NGBs) are receiving funding under this investment. A further €265,000 was invested last year in the Local Sports Partnerships under the Programme.
Sport Ireland continues to promote women’s participation in sport. For example, recognising the importance that campaigns can play in encouraging and supporting women and girls to be active, the first ever HER Outdoors Week was held in August 2021. Due to the success of the campaign, Sport Ireland ran the event again this August. Over 350 events took place nationwide with over 7,000 females participating across the 7 days. HER Outdoors week aims to celebrate and encourage more females to get out and enjoy the benefits of being in the outdoors while bringing visibility to the opportunities for females to get involved in outdoor physical activity. The campaign targets all females including females with a disability, females from diverse ethnic groups, older females, teenage girls, and females from disadvantaged areas, etc.
As the Deputy will be aware, earlier this year, Minister Martin and I were clear in our support for women’s rugby through engagement with the group of players who sought support in relation to issues they had with the IRFU and particularly the reviews that the IRFU were conducting into the women’s game.
Sport Ireland supported the players in their engagement with the IRFU and remained engaged with all parties up to the launch, in March 2022, of the independent review commissioned by the IRFU into the Women’s Rugby World Cup qualification campaign. This included meetings with all of the parties present and sessions with the players. Sport Ireland remains available to all parties should it be required.
I am pleased to note that the IRFU's new full-time high performance programme for women commenced in recent weeks. This is a very welcome and significant development for women's rugby in Ireland. I acknowledge that this is the first step in the professionalisation of women’s rugby in Ireland and I am keen to see supports for players progress further in the years ahead.
I strongly believe that Government can play a key role in accelerating the closing of the opportunity gap for women’s participation at all levels of sport. A range of National Governing Bodies of Sport are developing strategies in this regard and I look forward to engaging with them in the coming months.
55. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the status of the Munster football centre of excellence in Glanmire; the interaction that she has had with an organisation (details supplied) and Cork city in this regard; the status of the grant money allocated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56518/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF) was launched in 2018 to provide Exchequer support for larger sports facility projects with at least €100 million being made available over the period to 2027.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) with the support of Cork County Council submitted an application under the LSSIF for construction funding for Phase 1 of the Munster Football Centre of Excellence in Glanmire. The first allocations under the LSSIF were announced in January 2020 and included an allocation of €2,025,699 for the Glanmire project. Details of all the LSSIF allocations can be found at www.gov.ie/en/service/4113b3-large-scale-sport-infrastructure-fund-lssif/.
The grant for the Glanmire project was provisionally awarded to cover, inter alia, the development of grass pitches, floodlighting, an artificial pitch and dressing rooms. Advancing the project is obviously a matter for the grantee in the first instance. My Department has however, been engaging with all grantees in recent months as part of an ongoing review of all LSSIF projects. In this regard, I understand that the FAI and the Council are in ongoing discussions to finalise the plans for the new facility. It will then be a matter for the FAI to complete the necessary due diligence procedures to allow the project to move to the next stage. From my Department's perspective however, the grant allocation remains fully in place.
56. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the hospitality measures that are in place for the tourism industry for 2023 given the fact that many hotels are being used as temporary accommodation for Ukrainian citizens; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56951/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No 1 today.
Ireland is resolute in its solidarity and support for Ukraine and we are honouring our commitment to help people that have been displaced by this horrendous war. Over 63, 000 people that have been forced to leave their homes in Ukraine have sought refuge in Ireland and approximately 45,000 of these people are being provided with accommodation from the State. However, this war is causing ongoing challenges such as rising energy prices, scarcity of energy supply and supply chain issues including accommodation.
This is by some distance the largest humanitarian operation undertaken by the Irish State and tourism accommodation has played a vital part in this national response.
However, I recognise the growing concern among the wider tourism industry about how the amount of tourism bed stock taken out of the system for humanitarian reasons is likely to have a real impact on tourism’s recovery in 2023 and beyond. In addition, hotel accommodation is not an ideal medium-to- longer term solution for the accommodation needs of families and this is why the Government is exploring a wide range of alternative options including the rolling out a rapid build housing programme to provide accommodation for families fleeing the war in Ukraine.
My officials have communicated these concerns to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth which is working urgently across Government and with agencies, NGOs and local authorities to bring new accommodation on board so that the State’s humanitarian responsibilities can be met. In addition, my Department is also participating in the senior officials group that is focusing on meeting the current humanitarian accommodation and other needs.
While 2022 has seen a strong recovery in tourism activity there are significant headwinds facing the sector in 2023 which is why I am continuing to direct very significant resources to support the sustainable recovery of the sector. In Budget 2023, I secured an additional €15 million for overseas marketing of Ireland. The Budget also contains an additional €15 million for a range of industry initiatives including €3 million for a continuation of the investment in skills development and retention which is critical as there are significant employment challenges faced by tourism businesses in attracting talent, assisting skills development and retaining staff. Additionally, a €2 million increase in funding for domestic marketing will continue to promote Ireland’s tourism offering to Irish holidaymakers.
I have also secured €3 million to allow Fáilte Ireland to continue its work in the area of sustainability. Other allocations include €36.5 million in capital funding for tourism product development for the continued delivery of enhanced visitor experiences in line with the objectives of the National Development Plan 2021-2030.
Finally, the Temporary Business Energy Support Scheme administered by the Revenue Commissioners will provide support in this winter period to accommodation providers and hotels that have experienced a significant increase in their natural gas and electricity costs..
57. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the night-time economy support scheme. [56837/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI launched the Night-Time Economy Support Scheme earlier this year in support of Actions 1 and 12 of the Report of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce. I allocated €4m to the Scheme and my Department consulted with a wide range of Stakeholders in its development. The Scheme aimed to encourage licensed and unlicensed venues to put on entertainment later into the night, in off-peak times, to increase footfall in towns, cities and villages, provide opportunities for local artists and to encourage the use of existing venues in the Night-Time Economy.
There was a high level of interest in this pilot scheme, with over 430 creative and diverse applications offered funding. This reflects the willingness of the night-time economy sector to be innovative and creative in their offerings.
Applications were received from a wide range of venues including pubs, nightclubs, cafés, theatres, arts centres, galleries, museums and retail outlets. Well in excess of 2,000 events in every county across the country, have been approved for funding, they include live music, ranging from traditional music to electronic music, DJ nights, theatre, comedy, dance, literature, art and photographic exhibitions.
The Scheme also included a specific strand of funding for unlicensed premises such as cafés, dry bars and other suitable venues to support diversification and inclusivity in our Night-Time Economy. Cafés and unlicensed premises have been awarded over €434,000 in funding. Venues in rural towns and villages were also supported and funding was awarded to 252 venues outside of our cities.
The fund has been an important source of employment for artists and performers across the country with thousands of employment days generated by this Scheme.
I recently announced that I secured €6 million as part of Budget 2023 to assist the night-time economy sector. I am currently considering the development of further initiatives and we will continue to work with key stakeholders in the Night-Time Economy to examine other opportunities to open up existing venues to more Night-Time Economy activity.
58. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update in relation to interactions with the IABA; the current position with regards to future funding for the IABA; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56375/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in Sport Ireland have been engaging with the Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) on an ongoing basis regarding the IABA’s response to the recommendations of its Governance Review and Sport Ireland continues to provide guidance to the Association on the implementation of the recommendations.
Significant progress has been made by the IABA who have continued to report their commitment to implementing the Governance Review. The IABA issued a statement on 29 October outlining the progress made to date, affirming that all elements of the IABA community are supportive, and confirming its commitment to a further grassroots engagement on governance reform.
With regard to the Board of Directors, an interim chairperson has been appointed and the process of recruiting a permanent, independent Chairperson is underway.
I am pleased to note also that a new Board member was appointed in October and that the election of two further board members will take place at the Association’s AGM which is scheduled for 4 December.
Sport Ireland has confirmed that it is satisfied with the governance reforms agreed upon by the IABA and, on the basis of that agreement and implementation of the reforms, the conditions are now in place to restore full funding to the Association over the coming weeks.
I welcome the fact that there is now an agreement in place between Sport Ireland and the IABA which provides the basis for the restoration of funding and for sustained growth and success for the sport of boxing both within the ring and, outside it, as a progressive and well-governed national governing body.
59. D'fhiafraigh Deputy Catherine Connolly den Aire Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus Meán maidir le Ceist Phairliminte 47573/22 cén dul chun cinn atá déanta maidir leis an tríú gné den obair athbhreithniúcháin atá idir lámha ag Údarás na Gaeltachta maidir leis na córais agus maidir leis an gcur chuige atá i ngníomh ag an Údarás faoi láthair chun tacú le cur chun cinn na Gaeilge sna cliantchuideachtaí agus ar na bealaí ina ndéantar an t-ábhar a bhaineann leo a riaradh. [56942/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMar uasdátú don Teachta, is féidir liom a dheimhniú go bhfuil an suirbhé a bhí beartaithe ag Údarás na Gaeltachta a dhéanamh ar a chliantchuideachtaí á dhéanamh i láthair na huaire ag an eagraíocht. Dáileadh ceistneoir le gairid chuig gach cuideachta agus tá iarrachtaí déanta agus á ndéanamh leis na fostóirí agus na fostaithe a spreagadh le heolas agus tuairimí a roinnt maidir lena riachtanais teanga agus na tacaíochtaí a bheadh úsáideach dóibh, bíodh sé sa láthair oibre nó sa phobal ina bhfuil siad lonnaithe.
Tuigtear dom ón Údarás go dtiocfaidh deireadh leis an gcomhairliúcháin seo ar 18 Samhain - tráth a ndéanfar anailís ar thorthaí an tsuirbhé i dtreo an t-aiseolas a bhailítear a úsáid mar bhunús plean gnímh le gur féidir leis an Údarás tacú lena gcliantchuideachtaí an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn.
60. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media further to Parliamentary Question No. 13 of 29 September 2022, the status of the legacy framework arising from Galway 2020; when the framework will be published; the breakdown of the way that the remaining €1 million from her Department's commitment to Galway 2020 will be spent; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56941/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs set out in my reply of 29 September last, my Department is liaising with Galway 2020 on the development and implementation of the proposed legacy framework arising from the designation of Galway as Ireland’s 2020 European Capital of Culture. My officials are reviewing the proposals for the allocation as part of the framework of the remaining €1 million from my Department’s commitment and I expect to be able to provide further information in the near future. I can confirm however that the framework, once agreed, will be published and will contain a breakdown of how the funding will be applied.
As previously advised, the overall framework focusses on a number of key strategic areas that are the most important legacies for Galway as a European Capital of Culture including:
- Sustaining and strengthening existing partnerships, networks and opportunities in Europe and internationally, as well as forging new opportunities for Galway based artists and cultural organisations
- Drawing on the successful delivery of projects under the Galway 2020 programme to support new place based cultural programming including through the Irish language
- Supporting the Galway cultural and creative sector to build capacity through training, advice and networking opportunities.
61. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the development of a major events strategy. [56830/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland has consistently demonstrated an ambition to attract major international sports events that can make a positive return to the country. This is most recently evidenced by the Government’s decision to support the submission of a preliminary bid by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), with the UK football associations, for the right to host the UEFA Euro 2028 championships as well as the upcoming hosting of the following events:
- US College Football matches every August from 2022 to 2026
- The UEFA Europa League final in 2024, and
- The Ryder Cup in 2027 in Limerick
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government, a Major International Sports Events Policy is currently being developed by my Department. The aim is to establish whether and how Government should support major international sports events, the benefits it should seek to derive from such events, the supports it could offer and the kind of events it would prioritise for support. This will provide the basis for a Strategy to support and attract major international sports events and an assessment model based on the identified priorities. Mechanisms and channels to support events will also need to be developed.
While progress on the development of the policy was delayed by the pandemic, focused consultations have taken place this year with key stakeholders and a public consultation process closed on 26 May 2022. Following analysis of the consultation responses, further detailed follow-up and in-depth discussions with stakeholders will be required. Research, including consideration of the policies and strategies in place in other countries, has been undertaken and is continuing.
My Department is now working towards the development of a high level policy green paper this year.
62. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media if she will provide an update on the €35 million fund for sports clubs and organisations to help them meet energy costs, as part of Budget 2023. [56827/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2023, €35 million is being made available to help alleviate the impact of increased energy costs for sports clubs and organisations with a view to ensuring that everyone can continue to enjoy the benefits of sport and physical activity over the winter months.
The Sports Energy Support Scheme (SESS) announced earlier this week is being run by Sport Ireland and the funding will be distributed through the National Governing Bodies of Sport in like manner to the suite of Covid supports provided to the sports sector throughout the past 2 years.
The Scheme will support sporting organisations with the rising energy costs associated with the provision of sport, for example, around increased indoor activity and the provision of outdoor floodlighting, with a particular emphasis on sports clubs with dedicated facilities.
Full details in relation to the operation of the Scheme are available on the Sport Ireland website.
63. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media the reason there was a reduction in the budget allocation for arts and culture in budget 2023; the implications of such a reduction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56982/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2023 provides for gross expenditure of €1,142.419m for my Department in 2023 consisting of current expenditure of €935.937m and capital expenditure of €206.482m and is available online at www.gov.ie/en/publication/eb6ec-budget-2023-expenditure-reports/. The overall allocation for Culture in my Department's Vote for 2023 is €352.382m, an increase of 83% on the initial 2020 allocation of €192.905m.
The 2022 budget was cast in a time when the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the sectors my Department supports was still all encompassing. Throughout 2022, the arts and culture sector in Ireland was either closed completely, or operating at significantly reduced capacity levels. The 2022 budget included funding aimed at supporting these sectors through the worst of the pandemic. From the total allocation for 2022 which was €1.222 billion, being €1.019 Billion in current funding and €202 million in capital funding. Of the €1.019 billion in current funding, €219 million was provided on a once-off bases for COVID-19 support measures including initiatives to support Live Entertainment and Sport, and Business Continuity funding for the Tourism sector, all aimed at ensuring these sectors were sustained through the pandemic.
As we emerge from the pandemic, in line with the cessation of horizontal supports following the lifting of public health restrictions, sector specific interventions have been tapered and will not operate in 2023.
I have secured a comprehensive package for Arts and Culture for 2023, this includes:
- The retention of the record €130 million funding for the Arts Council in 2023 in recognition of the transformational impact of this funding and to support artists and arts organisations as we look to further develop the sector.
- An additional €10 million in 2023 to fund the Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme, a 3-year, €105 million scheme involving 2,000 artists and creative arts workers which will support each beneficiary in developing and sustaining a professional arts practice.
- €2 million increase in funding for Culture Ireland for the promotion of Irish arts worldwide.
- €7 million in additional capital funding for artists’ spaces and climate adaptation, including a new scheme, details of which will be announced shortly.
- An additional €2.5 million will help ensure the National Cultural Institutions continue to provide high-quality programming, to promote learning and engagement opportunities and to safeguard the National Collections.
- Up to €500,000 for supports for artists and arts workers put in place by the department in partnership with the Irish Theatre Institute and others as part of the ‘Safe to Create’ programme, coordinated by ITI.
- Up to €2 million in capital supports for stakeholders in the Night Time Economy in the context of the implementation of the Night-Time Economy Taskforce Report. This is in addition to €4 million in current spending for a range of initiatives and pilot projects to support a more vibrant and diverse Night-Time Economy.
- €1 million extra for Screen Ireland for the continued implementation of the government’s 10-year Audiovisual Action Plan. This is in addition to a decision by Government to extend a key tax incentive for the film industry, Section 481, to 2028.
- An allocation of €3 million to develop, oversee and manage a new archive and exhibition space as part of the overall National Centre for Research and Remembrance. This is a significant and unprecedented project of national and international importance which is being developed in partnership with a number of agencies over the coming years including the National Archives and the National Museum of Ireland.
72. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way that his Department is supporting all those who have arrived seeking international protection to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56701/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) mobilises a significant and holistic response to fulfill its duty to provide accommodation to those seeking refuge in Ireland. Under the Recast Reception Conditions Directive (SI 230 of 2018), the Department has a legal role to provide accommodation to international protection applicants (IPAs) who seek it while their claim for international protection is being determined by the Department of Justice.
As of 6 November 2022, there are 16,908 people accommodated in the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS) system as a whole. At this time last year, the State was accommodating approximately 7,250 persons in the IPAS system. The average arrival figure for IPAs for the 3 year period from 2017 to 2019 was 3,500. Since 1 January 2022 over 12,300 IPAs applicants have arrived in Ireland. In the past 12 months 13,700 IPAs have arrived.
From the moment that a person seeking international protection (IP) arrives, a variety of services are offered through the International Protection Accommodation Service (IPAS).
When IP applicants arrive they are provided an orientation service. This includes a vulnerability assessment, medical screening, COVID-19 vaccination, registration with the Department of Social Protection and the provision of a medical card. A general cultural orientation is also delivered through the Jesuit Refugee Service’s “Failte” programme.
IP applicants are also provided with a health assessment by the on-site HSE team. Once an applicant is medically cleared, they are provided with appropriate accommodation across the network of IPAS accommodation centres. Any IP applicant residing in IPAS accommodation is entitled to a medical card and IPAS advises their HSE liaison (seconded to IPAS) in advance of residents being accommodated.
People who have been granted a protection status or permission to remain are supported by a dedicated IPAS unit which works intensively with funded organisations like the Peter McVerry Trust, DePaul and the Jesuit Refugee Service, to move into housing within the community. The unit also works closely with the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and the City and County Manager's Association (CCMA) in this regard. The total figure for persons with status in IPAS accommodation is 4,625.
75. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the details of the measures that he has implemented to tackle the cost of childcare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56216/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraSignificant investment is being made by my Department to support families with the cost of high-quality early learning and childcare.
Next year investment will increase by 43 per cent and exceed €1 billion for the first time – achieving the First 5 investment target set in 2018, five years ahead of schedule.
Funding in 2023:
- provides for two years of pre-school under the ECCE programme, without charge to families, as well as the necessary supports for children with a disability to access this programme.
- allows for major reforms to the National Childcare Scheme from January 2023, which will substantially improve the affordability of early learning and childcare for families – reducing the average family co-payment for early learning and childcare by 25 per cent.
- provides for year 1 of Core Funding and an increased allocation for year 2 of this Scheme – that will ensure, among other things, the benefit of the fee freeze currently in place is maintained giving much certainty to families.
The OECD data I referred to earlier shows Ireland’s performance in supporting families with the cost of early learning and childcare has markedly improved.
The enhancements I have introduced to the National Childcare Scheme through Budgets 2022 and 2023 coupled with the roll out and further development of Core Funding, will bring further reductions in out of pocket costs for early learning and childcare for families and will see further gains in Ireland’s performance in an international context.
I recognise however that the burden on some families remains high and we need to do more to ensure affordability.
I have committed to build on the substantial progress that has already been made in future Budgets, investing further in the my Department’s funding scheme as well as securing additional investment to open up the National Childcare Scheme to childminders, following the development and introduction childminder-specific regulations, currently in preparation.
