Written answers

Wednesday, 18 February 2009

Department of Health

Child Care Services

8:00 pm

Photo of Michael CreedMichael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 156: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the measures being put in place to grant community employment child care facilities supplementary funding, due to increased unemployment figures, and the evolving profiles of parents' incomes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6414/09]

Photo of Barry AndrewsBarry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy will be aware, I have responsibility for the National Childcare Investment Programme (NCIP) 2006 -2010 under which the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) is implemented.

The CCSS the NCIP continues to provide support funding to community based not for profit child care providers to enable them to charge reduced child care fees to disadvantaged parents. Under the previous child care support scheme, applicants were assessed for funding on the basis of the levels of service provision and disadvantage which they reported. Services were required to tier their fees according to parental circumstances, however, any change in the profile of parents using a service was not reflected in the level of grant aid provided and grant levels were set for periods of up to 3 years.

A significant improvement under the CCSS, is that funding is adjusted on an annual basis and takes account of changes in parental profiles as well as any changes to the level of service provided. In addition, services may apply during the year for a review of their funding, allowing for an even more rapid response to be made. Details regarding the 2009 review date are currently being finalised by officials in my Office and are expected to be advised shortly to services participating in the CCSS.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.