Written answers

Tuesday, 12 November 2019

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Family Support Services

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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499. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on the possible sale of land (details supplied) due to the services that are provided from there; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46192/19]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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500. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans for the services provided on lands (details supplied) in view of the fact the grounds are now for sale; her plans to purchase same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46193/19]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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501. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of a centre (details supplied) in view of the fact that the grounds are for sale; if the centre is exempt from the sale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46194/19]

Photo of Katherine ZapponeKatherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 499 to 501, inclusive, together.

The Centre located on the site to which the Deputy refers is in receipt of funding from a number of public bodies that include the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection and the Health Service Executive (HSE). Certain services provided by the HSE and Tusla are also located on the campus. I understand the lands were advertised for sale in 2018.

Tusla, the Child and Family Agency provides funding of some €1.5 million annually for family and community services provided by the Centre located on site. I am aware that Tusla is engaged at a senior level with representatives of the property owners and the Centre in question.

It is important that all of the facts are established before any decisions are made. I will be happy to update the Deputy when I have any further information in relation to this engagement.

Separately, my Department allocates funding of some €200,000 to run a range of Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) programmes. I am aware that Cork City Childcare Committee and Pobal are currently engaging with relevant people regarding these services, and will continue to provide support as and when required. My officials will keep me apprised of the situation.

I know that many people who work for the Centre, or who engage with its services, will be anxious to know what the sale of the property means for them. The Centre in question provides valuable services to children and families. The cessation of any service for vulnerable children and families would not be welcomed by my Department or Tusla.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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502. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will report on the future of the parent and infant residential unit at a centre (details supplied) in view of the fact that grounds are for sale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46195/19]

Photo of Katherine ZapponeKatherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The centre located on the site to which the Deputy refers is in receipt of funding from a number of public bodies. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency provides funding of some €1.5 million annually for family and community services provided by the centre located on site. The parent and infant residential unit to which the Deputy refers is supported through this funding.

Tusla is currently engaging directly with the centre and with a representative of the property owners. I have asked Tusla to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to the parent and infant residential unit.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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503. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will report on the future of a project (details supplied) at a centre in view of the fact that the grounds are for sale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46196/19]

Photo of Katherine ZapponeKatherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The Centre located on the site to which the Deputy refers is in receipt of funding from a number of public bodies. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency provides funding of some €1.5 million annually for family and community services provided by the centre located on site. The project to which the Deputy refers is supported through this funding.

Tusla is currently engaging directly with the Centre and with a representative of the property owners. I have asked Tusla to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to the future of the project in question.

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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504. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she will report on the future of a crèche (details supplied) at a centre in view of the fact that the grounds are for sale; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46197/19]

Photo of Katherine ZapponeKatherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The Bessborough Centre in Cork is a not-for-profit organisation that has operated children and family services on these premises for many years. I understand that the site was advertised for sale in 2018.

I understand that many people who work for the Bessborough Centre, or who engage with its services including the crèche, will be anxious to know what the potential sale of the property means for them.

As the Deputy is aware, I have no role in intervening with the sale of private property. However, I can confirm that the Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare programmes operated by my Department will continue to be available to the entity which assumes the operation of the service, be that a private provider or community organisation, once it has registered with the Early Years Inspectorate of Tusla.

Any parents who are concerned that the sale of the service might impact on them should contact Cork City Childcare Committee (Cork CCC). Cork CCC may be able to assist them in locating alternative childcare places.

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