Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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Question 30: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she plans to expand the number of places in the child care education and training support programme. [32525/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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The Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme was introduced in September last year and is implemented by my Department, on behalf of FÁS and the Vocational Educational Committees (VECs).

The CETS programme replaces the previous childcare support programmes implemented by FÁS and the VECs under which qualifying students and trainees were paid a weekly Childcare Allowance of up to €63.50 per child as a contribution towards their childcare costs. Under the new programme, funding is provided by my Department to participating services in return for the provision of free childcare places to qualifying students and trainees. Students and trainees can avail of free childcare places for the duration of their course.

A capitation fee is paid for each childcare place contracted, at a weekly rate of €170 per full-time place, €95 per half day care place and €50 per after-school place. After-school places with a "pick-up" facility attract €95 capitation. The eligibility criteria under which students and trainees qualify under the programme continue to be determined by the FÁS and the VECs. Some 2,800 full-time equivalent childcare places are currently provided for under the programme and demand has increased very significantly from earlier this year, with the number of places funded exceeding 3,000 during the Summer. As the number of places fluctuate during the year, the programme has not exceeded the total funding for the year. However, it will require close management to ensure it remains within budget. It is not, therefore, proposed to increase the number of places in the programme at this time.

Martin Ferris (Kerry North-West Limerick, Sinn Fein)
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Question 31: To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to enhance communication between child and family services and community groups to ensure children and young persons do not fall through the cracks in service provision. [32523/11]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.