Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 March 2023
942. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will outline the supports that are available from his Department to assist a small rural primary school board of management with the provision of pre-school and after school care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13075/23]
View answerLast September, I was pleased to announce the Building Blocks – Improvement Grant, a Capital Grant for the Early Learning and Childcare Sector. The closing date for this scheme was 16th December last and applicants will be advised of the outcome in the coming weeks.
The Building Blocks - Improvement Grant is part of a wider Building Blocks Capital Programme for Early Learning and Childcare under the National Development Plan. It is designed to meet current and long-term Early Learning and Childcare infrastructure needs – with details of a Building Blocks - Capacity Grant and a Building Blocks - Innovation Grant to be announced in the coming months.
In this regard, I would encourage existing or prospective childcare providers to engage with their local County Childcare Committee, which will offer support and assistance to childcare providers with all aspects of my Department's funding programmes, including capital programmes.
