Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

618. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason an IT system failure has resulted in childcare education support scheme payment due to providers from 21 October to 1 December being delayed; when this problem will be rectified; and when service providers will receive payment. [49034/13]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am aware that a problem did arise with the IT system which supports the implementation by my Department of the Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS) programme. This resulted in a delay in the issuing of payments which were due to providers at the end of last month. The problems with the IT system, which is maintained by way of a shared service agreement with the Department of Health, are being examined with a view to resolution.

Pobal, who assist my Department with the administration of the CETS programme, are currently processing the outstanding payments. It is expected that providers will receive these payments over the course of this week. In order to offset the delay in payment, the current payment term has been extended by 4 weeks.