Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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91. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason for the closure of a playschool (details supplied) in County Cork; if the possibility of continuing the service has been considered by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15862/15]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Childcare services are provided by private commercial or community childcare providers and decisions in relation to the ongoing provision of services are a matter for the owners or the boards of management of these services.

I am aware that the Cork County Childcare Committee had been working with Dunmanway Community Playschool in an effort to resolve a number of internal issues relating to the delivery of childcare services at the facility. I understand that these issues could only be resolved with the agreement of management and staff and, as no agreement could be achieved, a decision was taken by the management committee to close the facility. Staff and parents were advised of the outcome.

The County Childcare Committee is available to advise parents in relation to the availability of childcare places in services providing the free pre-school year and of other childcare services in the area.