Written answers
Tuesday, 16 June 2020
Department of Children and Youth Affairs
Childcare Services
Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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915. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs further to Parliamentary Question No. 1124 of 20 May 2020, if the minutes of all meetings held by the advisory group tasked with overseeing the phased reopening of childcare services will be published; if same can be made available following each session of the group; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11339/20]
Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The Advisory Group on Planning for the Phased Reopening of Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare was convened to inform work on reopening services in line with the Roadmap for Reopening Business and Society. The Terms of Reference for the Advisory Group are as follows:
- To identify key issues to be considered by DCYA in developing the Plan for Phased Reopening ofELC/SAC services
- To support DCYA with the identification of existing evidence and/or the generation of new evidence to inform the work
- To propose options and/or provide feedback on options under consideration by the DCYA
- To contribute to the development of resources for parents, providers and practitioners
- To formally engage and consult with others stakeholders, including wider members of the Early Years Forum on elements of the Plan at the direction of the DCYA and provide feedback.
- To support the DCYA with dissemination of the final Plan.
This Group held an inaugural meeting on 13 May 2020 and has worked intensively since this time. The Group has met on seven occasions to date.
In accordance with the Terms of Reference, my Department provides secretariat to Advisory Group and prepares minutes from each meeting to record decisions taken and actions agreed.
The minute from meetings will be published on my Department’s website once agreed and approved by the members of the Advisory Group. Minutes already approved will be published very shortly.
Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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916. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the grant supports or other assistance that will be made available to a new childcare facility that plans to open in September 2020; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [11340/20]
Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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My Department funds Tusla registered childcare services to provide both the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) and the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme to eligible children. New Tusla registered early learning and care and school age childcare services are eligible to participate in both ECCE and the NCS.
My Department also provides support through the 31 City and County Childcare Committees across the country (CCC's). The relevant CCC will assist in the setting up of this new service and provide advice and support on accessing my Department's funded childcare programmes.
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