Written answers

Thursday, 15 May 2014

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Child Care Services Funding

Photo of Dara MurphyDara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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281. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the steps being taken on the funding crisis (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21954/14]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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In 2013 the Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Ltd. incurred expenditure of €2.022 million and had income amounting to €1.960 million resulting in a deficit of €62,000. The Centre employs approximately 100 staff, including Community Employment participants. I understand that the Centre has been experiencing cash flow difficulties over recent weeks and that this has given rise to concerns regarding its future operation. The Centre has been in discussions with the Child and Family Agency, as one of a number of state agencies which provides funding to support the provision of services at the Centre. In order to alleviate the immediate cash flow difficulty the Agency prepaid funding due to the Centre in May and June. I would expect that the Agency will be open to providing some further pre-payments to the Centre if this is of assistance.

Yesterday my officials met with the Child and Family Agency, Pobal (which administers a number of child care schemes on behalf of my Department) and Dublin City Childcare Committee to explore all possible solutions to the current difficulties. The meeting reviewed information available on the resources available to the Centre and the utilisation of these, as well as wider support for the provision of early years services in the area. I can assure the Deputy that this matter is being given priority attention.

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