Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I also wish to congratulate the new Minister for Children and Youth Affairs and welcome him to this Topical Issue debate.

Yesterday, I was honoured to cut the ribbon and open the new Golden Years Seniors' Centre in Darndale Belcamp village, when the Minister for Health, Deputy Reilly, was not able to make it due to illness. It was incongruous because at the same time as we were opening the seniors' centre, public representatives heard of the massive threat posed to the Jigsaw integrated child care crèche centre.

As Deputy Ellis said, the Jigsaw centre is the largest community crèche in the country and provides services to 260 children. Its team comprises 55 core staff and 44 community employment, jobs initiative and Tús participants. Some 90% of the children come from the immediate area, which has long been designated by the Department of Education and Skills and other Departments as one of serious social disadvantage. One sixth of the children cared for come from our local Traveller community.

The Jigsaw centre opened in 2001 and was originally to cater for a maximum of 150 children but it is now catering for almost double that number. The centre's CEO, Kelda Barnes, has rightly pointed out that it provides an important link between social and health services and the local community.

The centre provides much needed employment to the local area with 60% of the staff coming from the immediate locality. In addition, the centre has a history of great distinction, having received a Síolta award in 2013 for its work in looking after young children.

As Deputy Ellis also said, the centre has come under incredible pressure in recent years due to a growing deficit. In 2012, the deficit was €65,000, in 2013 it was €63,000 and this year it is heading towards €200,000.

I am informed that there are cuts to community employment support and changes to payments from Pobal. In addition, the HSE has been relentlessly cutting funding for this service. Fund-raising undertaken by the centre has been in grave difficulties due to the recession. My constituents in Dublin Bay North and in Darndale-Belcamp parish in particular are pleading with the Minister to take decisive, necessary and immediate action to solve this serious crisis and ensure the continued viability and success of the wonderful Jigsaw centre.

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