Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1507. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when funding for grants will be made available for persons involved in child care; the amount that will be made available (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [1330/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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In Budget 2018 I secured €6.86 million in capital funding for the expansion and improvement of early years and school age childcare services in Ireland. This capital funding will directly support outdoor play areas, extra spaces and essential maintenance and reflects my on-going commitment to developing quality, affordable childcare in Ireland, and assisting providers in delivering world class services to parents and children.

This funding comprises the Early Years and School Age Childcare Capital 2018 programmes, which are set to run simultaneously, with a single online application form on the Programmes Implementation Platform (PIP) for both. This should streamline the application process for service providers.  

It is intended that applications for capital funding under these programmes will open in February and close in March 2018. It is my hope that successful service providers will be notified of the outcomes of their capital applications in May 2018 so that the capital works concerned can be undertaken during the summer months. A further announcement, including a more detailed timeline, will issue in January 2018.

More details about the Capital 2018 programme can be found on my Department’s website in announcements made on 21st December 2017 ()and 4th December 2017 (). I would also strongly encourage service providers to contact their local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) who can provide additional information and assistance with applications.