Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 83: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if community childcare groups have the right to make their childcare workers redundant; if these groups are in a position to re-advertise for their redundant positions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19125/08]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The Redundancy Payments Acts, 1967 to 2007 and the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 1993 provide the statutory framework for dealing with redundancy in this country. These Acts, which come under the remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, also provide the statutory framework for employees to seek redress if they feel they have been unfairly treated as a result of redundancy. Community Childcare Groups have the same responsibilities and obligations to their employees under these Acts as other employers in the State.

The Deputy will be aware that I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006-2010 (NCIP) under which capital grant aid is available to childcare providers, including community childcare groups. In addition, community childcare groups may apply under the NCIP for grant support under the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme 2008-2010 to enable them to provide reduced childcare fees to disadvantaged parents. The day to day operation of the programme is managed on behalf of my Office by Pobal. This includes assisting Childcare groups by providing general guidelines in regard to their role as employers and in recommending that they operate in accordance with best practice.