Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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14. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the introduction of a community employment programme for those who wish to become childcare providers; the number of places that will be available and their locations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18824/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Department of Social Protection is improving the provision of training and work experience for CE participants on Community Employment overall. Supports for Childcare Providers are a matter for the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and not this Department. Recent developments have focused on CE schemes involved in supporting community childcare services and on CE participants who wish to pursue a career in childcare while on CE. These developments reflect the findings of a number of recent reviews - the "CE Financial Review of Schemes" (2012) and the "Review of Department of Social Protection Employment Support Schemes" (2012). In response, the Department is planning a number of improvements which will provide a clear career progression path and a structure for CE participants in Early Years Services.