Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 3 February 2015

Committee on Health and Children: Select Sub-Committee on Children and Youth Affairs

Estimates for Public Services 2015
Vote 40 - Children and Youth Affairs (Revised)

5:30 pm

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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I wish to refer to the area-based childhood programme. The Minister referred during the last exchange to grants to organisations that were partly funded. The grants covered a single year. The area-based childhood programme covers four years, from 2013 to 2016, inclusive. We know that Atlantic Philanthropies is closing down its support structures next year. While I acknowledge that there is an increase this year which I hope will be maintained into 2016, we must think ahead. I understand there are 13 dependent sites benefiting. Will the Minister indicate whether he and his Department are looking beyond 2016 in this area? One should make no mistake that all of the funds are focused on children and families in disadvantaged circumstances. How do we fill the vacuum that will be created by the departure of Atlantic Philanthropies' support after 2016 and perhaps with the cessation of the programme at the time? Is the Minister giving any consideration to this issue?