Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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527. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will provide further details on the once-off measure costing €37 million in relation to the Transition Fund for providers in the early learning and childcare sector; the way the measure will be distributed to providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7995/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Budget 2022 announced a once-off Transition Fund for Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) providers to be paid in the period between the cessation of the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS) and the introduction of the new Core Funding stream.

Between May and August 2022, ELC and SAC providers will have access to this Transition Fund. The primary conditionality attached to access the Transition Fund will be that providers do not increase their fees above levels charged in September 2021.

A weekly value will be determined for each service based on their location, size and service type. Services will receive this funding in respect of the weeks during which they are open. There will be a simple application process for providers which will be available in April.

Further communications will issue to ELC and SAC providers in the coming weeks.