Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Finance the discussions he has had in relation to the Clare Civil Service crèche; the action he will take to keep this service open until a permanent service provider can be sourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25824/08]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I refer the Deputy to my reply to question No. 125 of 18 June 2008 which sets out the background to the temporary closure of the Ennis Civil Service Crèche for a short period. In making this decision, all reasonable alternatives to the temporary closure of the crèche have been considered by officials of my Department, including exploring two arrangements suggested for interim management of the crèche since its temporary closure was announced. However given the legal and other obligations on any person who would take over as the operator of the crèche for the short period in question, no temporary solution has been found to be feasible.

I am happy that the Civil Service Childcare Initiative Board is in continuing discussions with a potential operator with a view to their taking over operation of the crèche for a five year period with effect from 1 October 2008.