Cavan/Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Brendan Smith has again appealed to the government and the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs to provide adequate childcare supports for frontline workers who are providing essential services to the public during this Covid-19 pandemic.
Deputy Brendan Smith stated that the government has failed to put in place appropriate supports for key personnel who are all needed in their employment within a wide variety of sectors.
In response to Deputy Brendan Smith’s Question in Dáil Éireann the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs replied –
“The Deputy is aware that the COVID-19 Pandemic has created major challenges for Ireland. The sudden closure of centre-based Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) services on 12th March was an unexpected but necessary move to safeguard public health in Ireland. Some childminders continue to be allowed to operate where they care for the children of essential workers and where they follow HSE advice.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs has been preparing for any decision by Government responding to any recommendation from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to make childcare services available for essential workers.
I can assure you that my officials and I have been working intensively with key Departments and Agencies to prepare for such an eventuality and to deliver a safe and pragmatic solution that meets the needs of essential workers, is child centred, and protects any childcare practitioners who might volunteer.
Further consideration will take place and information will be made available as / when a decision is made and based on any guidance provided by NPHET”,
Concluded Minister Zappone to Deputy Brendan Smith.
- To ask the Minister for Children what provision is being made by her Department to assist in the provision of childcare for frontline workers who are providing essential services to the public at present and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Brendan Smith TD
ANSWER
The Deputy is aware that the COVID-19 Pandemic has created major challenges for Ireland. The sudden closure of centre-based Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) services on 12th March was an unexpected but necessary move to safeguard public health in Ireland. Some childminders continue to be allowed to operate where they care for the children of essential workers and where they follow HSE advice.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs has been preparing for any decision by Government responding to any recommendation from the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) to make childcare services available for essential workers.
I can assure you that my officials and I have been working intensively with key Departments and Agencies to prepare for such an eventuality and to deliver a safe and pragmatic solution that meets the needs of essential workers, is child centred, and protects any childcare practitioners who might volunteer.
Further consideration will take place and information will be made available as / when a decision is made and based on any guidance provided by NPHET.