Dáil Éireann - Volume 612 - 15 December, 2005

Written Answers - Child Care Services.

Mr. Stanton Mr. Stanton

  197. Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Finance the Department responsible for the administration and payment of the early child care supplement which was introduced in budget 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39921/05]

Mr. Cowen Mr. Cowen

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  Mr. Cowen: The administration and payment of the early child care supplement, which I announced in budget 2006, will be carried out on an agency basis by the Department of Social and Family Affairs. The first pay[1324] ment, covering the second quarter of 2006, will be made in mid-2006.

In order to bring greater coherence to the sector, the Government has decided to establish an office of the Minister for children, under the Minister of State with responsibility for children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, which will be responsible for child care, together with other aspects of policy for children generally.

Dáil Éireann 612 Written Answers Child Care Services.

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