Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 633: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will indicate the changes that have been made surrounding the provision of child care for persons pursuing courses in vocational educational committees and in FÁS; if she will explain the way the new child care education and training support scheme differs from the previous scheme; the number of places offered under this scheme compared to the previous scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32392/10]

Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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The new Childcare Education and Training Scheme (CETS) was introduced in September of this year and is being implemented by my Office, on behalf of FAS and the Vocational Educational Committees (VECs) under the Department of Education and Science.

The CETS scheme replaces the previous childcare support schemes implemented by FAS and the Vocational Educational Committees (VECs). Under the FAS and VEC schemes, qualifying students and trainees attending certain FAS and VEC courses could apply for a childcare support payment of up to €63.50 per week towards their childcare costs. Under the new CETS scheme, participating services are paid a weekly capitation fee of €170 for each full-time childcare place contracted with their service with lesser amounts obtaining for half day and afterschool places. In return, the service is required to provide a childcare place free of charge to the qualifying student or trainee.

Childcare places have been contracted in each location on the basis of information on the expected local demand, on the basis of information provided to my Office by FAS and the VECs. The local City and County Childcare Committees, which help the Childcare Directorate of my Office to implement its early childhood care and education programmes, have also assisted this process. FAS and the VECs continue to be responsible for determining whether students and trainees qualify for childcare support and will advise them of where CETS places are being provided. There is no change in the number of places provided for under the new arrangements and almost 3,000 full-time equivalent childcare places will be supported in services throughout the State.

Given the more generous provision under the scheme, to assist parents into employment through training and education, the new arrangements are expected to cost €23 million in a full year, €13 million more than under the previous arrangements.