Childcare Services

Wednesday, 5 February 2025

Questions (1011)

Paul Murphy

Question:

1011. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps she will take the stop the closure of the afternoon session of an organisation (details supplied), a vital community service provided by the Dublin City Childcare Committee and funded by her Department; the reason parents have been told at very short notice that the session is to close from next week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3528/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

I understand the service in question has had initial engagement with their local CCC.

In addition to the Core Funding grant for early learning and childcare providers towards operating costs, which the service avails of, Case Management Supports are available from my Department for any service experiencing financial difficulty or has concerns about their viability.

This support can take the form of assisting services with interpreting analysis of staff ratios and cash flow, financial support for services, as well as more specialised advice and support appropriate to individual circumstances.

This service will soon meet with their local CCC and with Pobal to discuss the various supports available under Case Management.

I have also been informed that the children who attend the afternoon session in the service in question can be accommodated in this service’s sister service, which is located within 1km of the service and that other alternative arrangements also being explored.