Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

176. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she will provide an update on the child care employment and training support programme for community employment scheme participants; the number of participants using this vital programme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21456/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Community Employment Childcare (CEC) Programme provides childcare for children of parents who are participating on CE schemes. It provides 1,200 subsidised childcare places for CE participants with children up to 5 years of age and 800 after-school childcare places. Places are filled on a first come, first served basis. The budget for this childcare programme is €7.5m for 2015.

Take-up of the CEC Programme is monitored by the Department and at the end of March 2015 1,055 CEC places were taken up by CE participants. Table 1 below provides further detail on take-up of places in 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. The Department continues to work closely with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs in this regard.

Table 1: Take-up of CEC places 2014