Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I have provided the House with regular updates on issues regarding the services delivered by Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Limited to approximately 260 children across the areas of Darndale, Belcamp and Moatview. I am happy to update the House and Deputy Finian McGrath in particular on the current position. I have been contacted about this by colleagues such as Deputies Bruton, Seán Kenny, Terence Flanagan, Broughan and Ó Ríordáin, as well as Deputy Finian McGrath.

It is a matter of record that Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Limited has been experiencing cashflow difficulties. The centre incurred expenditure of €2.022 million in 2013 and received funding amounting to €1.96 million, resulting in a deficit of €62,000. Projections by the centre indicate income of approximately €1.8 million is anticipated during 2014. With such a level of financial support available, it should be possible to work constructively to continue services and avoid the closure scenario that has previously been outlined by the centre and Deputy Finian McGrath.

Senior representatives from the Child and Family Agency, Pobal, Dublin city child care committee and representatives from the board and management of Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Limited met on 20 May. The objective of this meeting was to ensure all possible solutions to the current difficulties were explored. Representatives from Pobal and Dublin city child care committee subsequently met representatives from the board and management of Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Limited on 26 May to continue this process and explore options available to allow the service operate on a sustainable basis within the allocated funding. A number of options were considered and, to assist in this process, Dublin city child care committee engaged the services of an external mediator to undertake an independent detailed analysis of the matter.

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