Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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404. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if the size of the community employment child care programme is demand-led or if there is a cap on places; if the announcement on the 8 July 2014 of changes to the eligibility rules governing the scheme also involved an increase in the capacity of the scheme and, if so, the amount. [31550/14]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Department of Social Protection is committed to the on-going improvement of CE to ensure the progression of the jobseeker and the support of services to communities. The newly named CE Childcare (CEC) Programme was introduced in January of this year and provided 1,800 subsidised childcare places for CE participants with children up to 5 years of age. On 8th July, it was announced that the programme will undergo improvements to increase access for CE participants with eligibility being broadened to include children up to 13 years of age. CE participants will now also receive full support for children in primary school.

As a result of this change, CE participants will no longer require access to the after-school childcare (ASCC) programme as their childcare needs will now be met under the CEC programme. CE participants already on the ASCC programme will not be affected.

The budget for this childcare programme is €7.5m for 2014. There will be 1,200 part-time places available for CE participants with children up to 5 years of age (as CE is a part-time programme), and 800 places available for CE participants with children who require after-school childcare. Places are filled on a first come, first served basis. The changes are due to be implemented from Monday, 14 July 2014.

Childcare is a crucial element for parents embarking on CE or returning to the workforce. These changes are aimed at ensuring that CE participants get the childcare supports they need to have a better future for themselves and their families. This Department continues to work closely with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in this regard.