Niall Collins
Ceist:428. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a facility (details supplied) can be assisted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5043/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 7 February 2024
Ceisteanna (428)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department oversees a case management process, through which local City and County Childcare Committee (CCCs) and Pobal work together to assess and provide support to all Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Care (SAC) services experiencing challenges.
Under the direction of my Department, Pobal co-ordinate the overall case management process with the CCC administering on-the-ground case management assistance. The CCCs can provide specialised advice and support appropriate to individual circumstances.
In some instances, financial supports through Sustainability Funding may be appropriate, in tandem with this case management process.
If any service has viability concerns, I would encourage them to reach out to their local CCC to start availing of supports through the aforementioned case management process.
If they have not already done so, my Department would encourage the provider to engage with the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate to ensure that they are operating within their registration:
• It is a legal requirement for all services proposing to operate to submit an application under section 58D(2) of the Childcare Act 1991, at least 3 months before it is intended to commence operation.
• Temporary early years services need to submit an application at least 21 days before they plan to open. This application must be approved prior to children attending the service.
• Registered providers are required to notify the Early Years Inspectorate in writing whenever they propose to make a change to their current registration in accordance with Regulation 8 of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 (S.1. 221 of 2016) & Regulation 7 Child Care Act 1991(Early Years Services) (Registration of School Age Services) Regulations 2018. This application must be approved prior to the change coming into effect.