Results 341-360 of 7,359 for speaker:Katherine Zappone

Covid 19 (Childcare): Statements (6 May 2020)

Katherine Zappone: In regard to the Deputy's other questions, perhaps he would put them on the record.

Covid 19 (Childcare): Statements (6 May 2020)

Katherine Zappone: Yes, the emergency regulations. I intend to sign regulations for emergency foster care effectively to establish a unique panel to fast-track that if we need it. We do not know that we need it yet but if there are additional children who need foster care parents it is to try to get them to those as soon as possible. To ensure that the regulations have the best possible protections, I...

Covid 19 (Childcare): Statements (6 May 2020)

Katherine Zappone: I thank the Deputy. It is good to continue the conversation. In addition to the early years forum briefing and consultation I had last night, I met many of the Opposition spokespeople a few days ago and answered their questions. It is good to meet Deputy Costello again. Why did 764 providers not sign up to the scheme? We are continuing to discuss that with the various representative...

Covid 19 (Childcare): Statements (6 May 2020)

Katherine Zappone: The Acting Chairman is doing a great job, if I may say so.

Covid 19 (Childcare): Statements (6 May 2020)

Katherine Zappone: I will start with the last question. Much of this is about planning for the future. I will address that a little. Many have asked a variation on Deputy Higgins's question. Needless to say, like other Departments, we have begun planning for the phased reopening of services. As the Deputy knows, when the pandemic hit we immediately started the wage subsidy scheme. We have it planned and...

Covid 19 (Childcare): Statements (6 May 2020)

Katherine Zappone: On the Deputy's initial questions, on the wage subsidy scheme, especially the focus on the sole trader, she will be aware that it was an issue at the beginning. We made strong representations. The solution was not the perfect one but at least those affected could have access to a payment of €350. This did not feature originally in terms of the initial negotiations for the bespoke...

Covid 19 (Childcare): Statements (6 May 2020)

Katherine Zappone: The Deputy can go ahead. That is okay.

Covid 19 (Childcare): Statements (6 May 2020)

Katherine Zappone: For now, I will hold off on responding about what I think about the things I have read in the newspapers as well.

Covid 19 (Childcare): Statements (6 May 2020)

Katherine Zappone: Am I to respond to all of the questions of all of the Deputies in the two minutes?

Covid 19 (Childcare): Statements (6 May 2020)

Katherine Zappone: Is that right? Is that is the way the rules are now?

Covid 19 (Childcare): Statements (6 May 2020)

Katherine Zappone: I will make a couple of comments in the two minutes allocated. I refer to Deputy Niamh Smyth's initial question on what has happened with the Government and the difficulties therein etc. I have referred many times to the growth of the sector and the 141% investment increase. I support the voices and representatives of the sector and the 30,000 who marched. I said that at the time. I...

Covid 19 (Childcare): Statements (6 May 2020)

Katherine Zappone: I have the answers.

Covid 19 (Childcare): Statements (6 May 2020)

Katherine Zappone: I am pleased to be in the Dáil this afternoon to outline the measures the Department has taken to ensure the care and protection of our children and young people during this pandemic. I will begin by placing on the Dáil record my gratitude for the ways in which our children and young people have responded to what is happening in Ireland and in our world at this time. They have...

Written Answers — Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Special Educational Needs Service Provision (5 Mar 2020)

Katherine Zappone: I propose to take Questions Nos. 1077 and 1078 together. AIM Level 7 provides additional assistance in the pre-school room where this is critical to ensuring a child’s participation in the free ECCE preschool programme. In line with emerging best practice to support the integration and independence of children with a disability, AIM does not fund Special Needs Assistants (SNAs)....

Written Answers — Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Home Tuition Scheme Eligibility (5 Mar 2020)

Katherine Zappone: I wish to inform the Deputy that the provision of home tuition supports is a matter for the Department of Education and Skills. Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) has engaged with the child in this case. I have asked TESS to reply directly to the Deputy.

Written Answers — Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Family Resource Centres (5 Mar 2020)

Katherine Zappone: Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, is responsible for the administration of the Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme. Tusla has no current plans to expand the FRC Programme in 2020. Should a new FRC application process be established, Tusla's local Area Managers will be made aware of the process.  Expressions of interest will be sought from community organisations....

Written Answers — Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Early Childhood Care and Education Programmes (5 Mar 2020)

Katherine Zappone: My Department has no record of an application for a second preschool year in respect of the child named. The child's parents should submit an application for an exemption from ECCE eligibility rules to my Department.  The Department will consider such applications having regard  to: - the child's age.  The child should not be over 6 years of age during the...

Written Answers — Department of Children and Youth Affairs: National Childcare Scheme (5 Mar 2020)

Katherine Zappone: I thank the Deputy for his question. I am aware of potential challenges that some School-Age Childcare (SAC) services may face as legacy childcare schemes are phased out in favour of the National Childcare Scheme. As explained below, the policy intent of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) followed much consideration and aims to better serve children and families in the short, medium and long...

Written Answers — Department of Children and Youth Affairs: National Childcare Scheme (5 Mar 2020)

Katherine Zappone: The National Childcare Scheme (NCS), previously known as the Affordable Childcare Scheme, provides the first statutory entitlement to financial support for childcare, opened to online applications on 20thNovember 2019. A paper based application process will be available very shortly. The Scheme aims to: - improve outcomes for children, - reduce poverty, - facilitate labour...

Written Answers — Department of Children and Youth Affairs: Childcare Services (5 Mar 2020)

Katherine Zappone: I thank the Deputy for her question. I sympathise with the difficulties this service is currently facing. The service in question may be able to access various supports through Case Management. My Department oversees a Case Management process through which local CCCs and Pobal work together to assess and provide support to early learning and care services experiencing difficulties....