Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Independent)
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To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will provide clarity on the situation regarding the level of funding from the Health Service Executive that is provided in respect of a group (details supplied); if this funding is being withdrawn is it a national or local decision; if her attention has been drawn to only local support to non-regulated childminders is provided through the Health Service Executive funded Childminders' Advisory Worker Post; if she will clarify the bodies that will support this sector if HSE funding is discontinued. [57505/12]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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I understand that there has been a reduction in funding by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to the City and County Childcare Committees in some areas. The HSE has, however, confirmed that it will endeavour to support the CCCs wherever possible. I have asked my Department to engage further with the Committees and the HSE and to provide a report to me on this matter.

My Department provides annual funding to each CCC to enable it to support and advise all childcare providers at local level. In 2012, the total amount allocated to the CCCs was €11.3m. My Department also provides annual funding, totalling €2.85m in 2012, to the seven National Voluntary Childcare Organisations, including Childminding Ireland, who provide support at a local level to their members.

In relation to the specific funding provided by the HSE to the service referred to, I have asked the HSE to examine this matter and to respond directly to the Deputy with the most up-to-date information.