Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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300. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth for an update on his engagement with the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality, Integration and Youth on a facility (details supplied) in Churchfield, Cork. [19708/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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I am aware of the issues facing Northside Community Enterprises and of the funding that they require to support the re-opening of the Before 5 Family Centre in Churchfield, Co. Cork.

The Before 5 Family Centre is in an area of undersupply and of high need, so the ambition of Northside Community Enterprises to reopen this Centre, with an extended offer of full time, full year places for children under three as well as places for school-going children, is very welcome.

Having recently met with Northside Community Enterprises representatives in Cork, I confirmed that the capital funding I announced for the early learning and childcare sector earlier this year under the National Development Plan will only fund the expansion of existing services and does not apply to the scenario that Northside Community Enterprises finds itself in with Before 5 Family Centre.

However, I did confirm that I am working within my Department to look at what solutions can be found to support Northside Community Enterprises with reopening this vital service for the Churchfield community.

Additionally, both Pobal, the scheme administrator and the local Childcare Committee are engaging with, and offering support to, Northside Community Enterprises in this regard, with follow up to the meeting of 17th May between Pobal and Northside Community Enterprises expected shortly.

I am very happy to keep the Deputy updated on this matter.