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

I will communicate with the Deputy in so far as the review she mentioned is taking place. In 2012 and 2013, my predecessor secured capital funding totalling €9 million to support the ongoing improvement of established child care services participating in the child care support programmes as implemented by my Department. A further €2.5 million already has been secured in 2014 for maintenance and upgrade of community or not-for-profit child care services. I believe this is the issue to which the Deputy referred when she mentioned the crisis. I acknowledge there are difficulties, including in the constituency of the Acting Chairman, Deputy Seán Kenny, which he brings to my attention continuously. The aforementioned sum of €2.5 million for maintenance and upgrade of community or not-for-profit child care services will ensure that previously-funded community facilities remain fit for purpose and in a position to continue to deliver the type of quality services our children deserve. Additional capital funding of €5 million has been made available to my Department in the current year under the phase 4 infrastructure stimulus, which is being introduced by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. I currently am considering how this funding can be utilised in the best interests of the sector.

I thank the Deputy for bringing this important matter to my attention. I assure her that her submission and observations in the Chamber will be taken into account fully in the context of any review being undertaken by me or my Department.

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