Dinny McGinley (Donegal South West, Fine Gael)

I stated in my original reply that there are, nationally, 23,300 community employment schemes of which 2,200 are specifically ring-fenced for the delivery of child care services. I understand that, as of April, there were 1,792 participants in ring-fenced child care places in community employment schemes. That is a significant number. I also stated there was some indication that participation rates for lone parents declined somewhat between January and March. We cannot be more specific than that at present but the situation is being monitored. Within the resources available, the Government places a high premium on the provision of child care places, given that 2,200 are already ring-fenced. The situation will be monitored as the year progresses.

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