VITAL FUNDING NEEDED FOR DARNDALE CHILDCARE SERVICE TO AVOID CLOSURE - KENNY

Posted on May 13, 2014 6:02 PM   |   Permanent Link   

Labour TD, Sean Kenny, told the Minister for Children, Charlie Flanagan, in the Dáil that the Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Ltd, also known as Jigsaw Crèche, is facing closure unless it receives funding urgently.

"Speaking in the Dail during a Topical Issues debate this evening, Deputy Kenny said: "The Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Ltd, known also as Jigsaw Crèche, has evolved from its beginning in 2001 into being the largest community crèche in the country and now caters for 260 children daily. Ninety per cent of these children are from the immediate catchment area of Darndale, Belcamp and Moatview, which are recognised areas of social disadvantage, and also includes a large traveller community. One sixth of our children attending the crèche are from the traveller community."

"Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Ltd presently employs 55 core staff, some of whom have been there for the 13 years of its existence, and 44 staff from Community Employment, Jobs Initiative and TUS schemes. This includes one full time and eight Community Employment participants from the traveller community. In this regard. As recognition of their excellence as a crèche, Jigsaw was presented with the Siolta award by the former Minister Frances Fitzgerald and I had the pleasure of being present at the award ceremony."

"The centre over recent years had to accept financial cuts which they absorbed by way of pay cuts, changing the structure of the centre, and by fundraising to the extent of raising €112K in 2013. They have now reached a crisis and have been in discussion with their main funders Tusla, Department of Social Protection, and the Childcare Directorate, to try to source an additional €200K to keep their centre open. They were recently informed by former Minister Fitzgerald that further payments from TUSLA would be made available to the centre while a long term solution was being worked out."

"I appreciate that the Minister has only just recently commenced work in the Department. However, for the centre the situation is quite stark. The only way that we can remain open is by direct intervention from the Minister. As a Dublin North East Deputy, I believe that it is unacceptable that such a vital service as the Darndale Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service Ltd, that has the full support of the local agencies and public representatives, would close."

"The centre needs to know this week if these funds can be provided as their cash flow is again drying up and they have informed their staff and parents of the actual date of closure, which will be by month end or they face the risk of trading recklessly."