Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
451. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to correspondence regarding the matter, will she commit to visiting childcare facilities in Donegal affected by defective concrete blocks; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15674/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe defective concrete blocks issue is an ongoing wider government matter. Responsibility for defective concrete block remediation and capital reconstruction rests primarily with other government departments and local authorities including Donegal County Council. The Department of Children, Disability and Equality does not have direct responsibility for structural remediation or compensation for buildings affected by defective concrete blocks.
However, the Department works with Pobal and local Childcare Committees to offer Case Management Supports to services in difficulty. Through this, services may also access Sustainability Funding following an assessment of need. There are examples of sustainability funding for services who needed to relocate due to defective concrete blocks.
Any service which is affected by defective concrete blocks should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee in the first instance.
The City/County Childcare Committee will assist the service in finding a suitable alternative location and will engage with Pobal and the Department regarding sustainability funding to facilitate the relocation of the service.
The local City/County Childcare Committees will also source suitable alternative places for children in attendance of these services to ensure minimal disruption to their learning and care, should the service be unable to relocate Local City/County Childcare Committees are engaging with parents affected by defective concrete blocks in order to help find suitable alternative places.
The Department and I are always open to considering requests for meetings and visits, as appropriate. Should affected childcare facilities wish to do so, they should send their request in writing to my office in the Department. In requesting such a meeting it is important to outline any proposals or concerns they may have. It is also important that the correspondence relates to matters within the remit of this Department.
