Steven Matthews (Wicklow, Green Party)
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250. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he plans to hold further meetings with representatives from the early childhood care sector to discuss its concerns with regard to reopening play schools and crèches in view of the ongoing public health crisis. [3078/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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My Department has held frequent meetings with representatives from the early learning and care and school aged care sector on the operation of childcare services during the Covid-19 pandemic. A Covid-19 Advisory Group was established in May 2020 to provide expert advice and guidance to my Department in preparing for the phased reopening of services, on 29 June and full reopening at the end of August. The Advisory Group includes a number representatives from childcare providers, in both the private and community sectors.

I and my officials are continuing to meet with the Advisory Group on a regular basis to discuss the on-going operation of childcare services. The Advisory Group has met frequently since the re-introduction of Level 5 restrictions, and will continue to meet as necessary. The Advisory Group has been a valuable resource to my Department and I would like to thank all its members for sharing their expertise, and the experiences of childcare providers, staff and parents with my Department.

The next meeting of the group will be held on 22 January.