Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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1931. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the budgetary arrangement which has been made for vulnerable one to three year olds in community early years services for 2018; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [27685/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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In the first instance I am pleased to be able to inform the Deputy that an extension to the existing CCS scheme being introduced in September this year will see a payment of €20.00 per week per child being introduced over a 52 week period. It is anticipated that some 33,000 children may benefit from this new measure.

Further, I am aware that the 0-3 age group presents particular issues for early years service providers. In an effort to better understand the range of issues being faced I have asked a sub-group of the Early Years Forum to examine the evidence in this regard and to consider appropriate measures to alleviate any identified sustainability issues. This group has met on a number of occasions and is due to report back to me and the Early Years Forum in the coming weeks. It is my intention that the outcome of the group's work will inform my Department's consideration of the forthcoming Estimates and budgetary process for 2018 as necessary.