Mick Barry (Cork North Central, Anti-Austerity Alliance)
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144. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will reconsider the decision not to grant a person (details supplied) assistance in crèche fees under the supplementary welfare allowance scheme. [20206/16]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In accordance with Departmental guidelines, Crèche Supplement applications can only be considered, in exceptional circumstances, in respect of children attending a community crèche.

This application for a Crèche Supplement was disallowed because the person concerned was applying for a payment for their child to attend a privately-run crèche and the scheme applies to community crèches only.

The person concerned appealed the disallowance and the decision was upheld on appeal. There is no reason to reconsider the application because the decision was upheld on appeal.

The Department has identified two community crèches in the vicinity that can reasonably be accessed by the person concerned from their present address. It is open to them to apply for a Crèche Supplement in respect of a local community crèche.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.