Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 April 2017
350. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Social Protection his plans to phase out crèche and play school service provision by community employment schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17622/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department introduced a new Community Employment (CE) childcare strand in 2013 under which there is a dedicated childcare training programme leading to a major award at QQI Level 5 for CE participants who work directly with children. The QQI Major Level 5 Award is the entry-level requirement to work as a basic practitioner in childcare. This has led to rationalised entry requirements, defined standards of achievement, a career progression path, and a structure for CE workers in Early Years Services.
These changes are designed to provide a more tailored and valuable support to the provision of community childcare and achieve greater coherence between participation on CE and the job market. This will improve the career path for participants who wish to pursue a career in childcare. There are no plans to make further changes to the childcare strand of CE at present.
I trust that this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
