Neale Richmond (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael)
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568. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when a crèche (details supplied) will receive a visit from Tusla for approval to open when restrictions are lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4350/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Between 11 and 31 January, access to early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) services is restricted to the children of essential workers and vulnerable children. In addition, the resumption of the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) pre-school programme has been delayed.

My officials are engaged in detailed planning as regards the arrangements for ELC and SAC services from February onwards. Progressing the implementation of these plans will depend on the decision to be taken by Government on COVID-19 restrictions from 1 February. To inform this work, officials have been engaging with the COVID-19 Advisory Group, which comprises representatives from the ELC and SAC sector.

There are currently no plans to include an inspection by Tusla as a condition prior to the lifting of restrictions on opening of ELC and SAC services to all children.