Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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688. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of efforts to re-open a childcare facility (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37418/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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As the Deputy is aware, my Department does not directly provide childcare - rather we administer a number of schemes and initiatives to support accessible, affordable and high quality childcare. These schemes are available to regulated childcare providers which include individuals, companies and community/not-for-profit groups.

Following the closure of the existing childcare provider in this location, I requested that Pobal and Longford County Childcare Committee (CCC) work with local bodies and potential partners in relation to the re-establishment of a service for the local community.

Unfortunately, we did not receive a viable proposal for the creation of a childcare service at that time. However, my Department is currently in discussions with Longford CCC with the aim of progressing a procurement process to secure a suitable operator for a childcare service in this area. Funding to assist a childcare provider remains available pending the outcome of this procurement process.