Joe Flaherty (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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52. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the supports that are available for parent and toddler groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28464/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I recently announced details of the Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative 2022 including funding of €325,000, which will be allocated to Parent and Toddler Groups nationwide through local City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs).

New start up Parent & Toddler groups may apply for maximum grant of up to €1250, while existing Parent & Toddler groups can apply for a maximum grant of up to €800.

For 2022 an additional amount of up to €400 is available for all Parent & Toddler groups providing an additional session and a maximum of up to €400 will be available to establish Buggy Walking Groups.

Pobal administer the scheme on behalf of my Department and release the allocated funding to CCCs, any unspent funds must be returned to Pobal at end of year.

City/County Childcare Committees are responsible for the implementation of the Parent & Toddler Grants at county level. This involves promotion, contracting, appraisal, monitoring and reporting of the grant. Each CCC develop a Grant Appraisal subcommittee/sub group who appraise all grant applications using a standard appraisal form.

CCC's have been asked to promote the participation of Ukrainian families in parent and toddler groups where possible.

As I have have referenced this year, two new funding streams are being introduced under Parent and Toddler Group Grants Initiative, firstly, funding of up to €400 is available to establish and operate Buggy Walking Groups. These Buggy Walking Groups are organised social walks for parents/guardians and young children.  The grant of up to €400 is open to any existing or new organisations or groups who wish to offer a minimum of six organised walks within their community. Secondly, funding of up to €400 is available for new or existing Parent and Toddler Groups to provide an additional session.

In addition to these new funding streams, Parent and Toddler Groups can apply for funding towards:

Toys, equipment and books for indoor and outdoor activities, children’s refreshments

Storage for equipment

Training for parents, e.g. paediatric first aid, committee skills, parenting courses, facilitated sessions

Children’s activities, e.g. arts and crafts, music

Limited funding will be available towards insurance, rent or minor refurbishment

Further information on the application process, including detailed application guidelines is available now on local CCC websites. Parent and Toddler Groups are encouraged to contact their local CCC with any queries on the Initiative and the application process. Contact details and links to websites of all local CCCs can be found on www.myccc.ie.