Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Last week, I was pleased to announce an €18 million capital grant scheme for the early learning and childcare sector. The building blocks capacity expansion grant scheme is part of the wider building blocks capital programme for this sector under the national development plan. The scheme will provide capital grants for early learning and childcare services to expand their existing capacity by means of internal renovations and reconfigurations. The primary focus of the scheme is to increase capacity in the between one and three year old, pre-ECCE, age range for full day or part-time care. A key feature of the scheme is the application of a maximum fee threshold for early learning and childcare services that wish to apply for funding. The reason behind this is to ensure that when State capital investment is provided it does not result in the delivery of childcare places that are unaffordable to parents. My Department has set a weekly maximum fee for full day and part-time services. If the service currently charges above these rates it is ineligible for capital funding. Applicants are required to confirm that the fees they charge for places on 3 April 2024 do not exceed the maximum fee threshold for the relevant care type. The maximum fee threshold for full-time care has been set at €295 per week, while the maximum fee threshold for part-time care has been set at €190 per week. Training has been made available for providers to assist them in understanding the scheme. Pobal's early years provider centre is available to respond to queries about the application process and the city and county childcare committees have been trained in the scheme and can provide additional support and advice to any provider considering applying. The closing date for applications for the new capital funds is 3 April. I have no doubt but that all Deputies have services in their areas that will be interested in this new funding.

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