Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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253. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his Department assists with, or makes a financial contribution to, the sourcing or provision of childcare or crèche facilities for the children of staff members of any grade or position; if so, the names of the providers; the costs incurred for the period 2020 to date in 2023; the number of staff who have availed of such assistance over this timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25970/23]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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My Department does not make a financial contribution to, the sourcing or provision of childcare or créche facilities for the children of staff of the Department.

Staff of my Department may be entitled to national supports provided through Government Schemes such as the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme which provides early childhood care and education for children of pre-school age, and the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) which helps parents to meet childcare costs. These schemes are available to all eligible applicants in Ireland.

The Department, through its various Human Resources schemes and policies provides flexibilities for all staff to assist with managing work/life balance appropriately. In consultation with their line manager in the context of business needs, staff have the opportunity to avail of special unpaid leave in one continuous period of two, four, six, eight, ten or thirteen weeks, or to take up to three separate periods, each consisting of a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of twelve weeks in total unpaid special leave in any given year in line with the provisions of the Shorter Working Year Scheme. Staff can also opt to reduce their working week as provided for in the Civil Service Work-Sharing Scheme. Blended working and career break opportunities may also assist staff of the Department with work/life arrangements.