Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 31: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the position in relation to funding for community crèches; if the funding will be continued; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [31972/09]

Barry 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 being implemented. The Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCSS) subsidises childcare costs for low paid and disadvantaged parents in community based, not for profit childcare facilities. Funding for CCSS services increased from €37 million in 2007, to over €50 million in 2008, and has substantially reduced the fees paid by most parents using these facilities. The CCSS will continue to support community based, not for profit childcare facilities in 2010. Consideration will be given to the design of a successor programme to the CCSS between now and the end of 2010, when the scheme is scheduled to conclude.