Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 370: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of crèches affected by the new banding charges; the number of crèches that have closed or have had their number of places reduced as a result of this new regulation; and the number of crèches awarded funding previously that have not applied for funding from Pobal since the introduction of the new charges. [29441/08]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme 2006 -2010 (NCIP), which will invest €575 million over 5 years, with €154.2 million allocated over a 3 year period to the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS).

There are currently 841 Community based childcare facilities approved for funding under the CCSS. This figure includes 51 services approved for entry to the Scheme since 1 January 2008, of which 24 had not previously been in receipt of any support under the scheme or its predecessor, under the Equal Opportunities Childcare Programme 2000-2006. My office is aware of 9 services which have left the scheme since January 2008 and of 5 services which have closed this year generally for reasons unconnected with the scheme e.g. the venue for the service no longer being available. One of these services is currently the subject of discussion with a view to reopening shortly under a new management committee. I understand that the proposed reopening will involve a substantial increase in the level of service being provided.

Applications for CCSS funding for 2009 have been invited and are due to be returned by the end of this week. When processed these returns will provide data in regard to the number of services, and the number of childcare places they propose to provide, in respect of 2009.