Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

18. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when she expects the second part of sustainability funding for community early years to be made available; the status of long term sustainability funding for the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22309/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In 2017, I have made €1m of additional funding has been made available to childcare providers who have been facilitating the training of Community Employment participants, to ensure that regulatory changes do not hinder service delivery or the availability of childcare places.

There are two phases to this funding. The first is for HR and recruitment supports, while the second will provide funding to pay the costs of the required additional staff until September 2017 in the first instance. I am making up to €2,000 available for services initially, to assist with the recruitment process or to provide expert support in HR management. I understand that all but one of the services impacted have now accessed this funding.

County Childcare Committees are now working closely with the affected services on the second phase to establish the amounts, and timing, of the payments that they will need to maintain services. Funding is available now, but it is not possible to issue payment until services can identify their need; nor would it be prudent to issue flat-rates, as each service has different needs. My officials are committed to progressing applications as soon as they are received.

In the longer term, the question of sustainability must be addressed comprehensively, and at the core of this is working with community services to develop adequate funding streams and business models.

The Deputy will be aware that I have recently announced a significant expansion and extension of the funding available under the Community Childcare Subvention from September of this year; which I anticipate will be of significant assistance to families but also to services. In addition arrangements are progressing for the provision of 'non-contact time' funding to services this summer, amounting to €14.5m per annum. I will also be examining how the €1m sustainability funding provided for 2017 can be used in 2018, and I will be working with the sector and stakeholders in this endeavour.

I have asked my officials to progress the Independent Review of the Cost of Childcare as a priority. This will seek to build a comprehensive picture of the drivers of cost in community - and private- services, and will inform future funding models and Estimate processes.

Improving access to high quality and affordable childcare remains a key priority for me as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs.