Seán Kenny (Dublin North East, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister to his new position.

The Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Limited, also known as the Jigsaw crèche, has evolved from small beginnings in 2001 into being the largest community crèche in the country, now catering for 260 children daily. Some 90% of these children are from the immediate catchment area of Darndale, Belcamp and Moatview, which is a recognised area of social disadvantage. It also includes a Traveller community. In fact, one sixth of the children attending the crèche are from the Traveller community.

The crèche service currently employs 55 core staff, some of whom have been there for the 13 years of its existence, and 44 staff from community employment, jobs initiative and Tús. They include one full-time and eight community employment participants from the Traveller community. In this regard, I believe they are unique.

In recognition of its excellence as a crèche, Jigsaw was presented with the Síolta award by the previous Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Deputy Frances Fitzgerald. I had the pleasure of being present at the award ceremony as a Deputy for the area.

Over recent years, the centre has had to accept financial cuts which it absorbed by way of pay cuts, changing the centre's structure, and fund-raising to the extent of €112,000 in 2013. The centre has now reached a crisis and has been in discussion with its main funders - Tusla, the Department of Social Protection, and the Childcare Directorate - to try to source an additional €200,000 to keep the centre open. The centre was recently informed by the previous Minister, Deputy Fitzgerald, that further payments from Tusla would be made available while a long-term solution was being worked out.

I appreciate that the Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, has only just commenced work in his new Department. However, the situation is quite stark for the centre. The only way it will remain open is by direct intervention from the Minister himself. As a Dublin North East Deputy, I believe it is unacceptable that such a vital service as the Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service, which has the full support of the local community and public representatives, would close.

The centre needs to know this week that these funds can be provided, as its cash flow is drying up. The centre has informed the staff and parents of the actual date of closure, which will be by month's end or else they face the risk of trading recklessly.

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