1336. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on a matter raised in correspondence by a childcare provider in County Cork (details supplied); regarding a specific core funding matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34064/24]

Core Funding is a is a payment to Partner Services designed to support quality, sustainability, and enhanced public management. To receive Core Funding, Partner Services must uphold their contractual obligations as laid out in a Partner Service Agreement.

Pobal, on behalf of my Department are responsible for the day-to-day management of Core Funding in their role as Scheme Administrator. In addition, Pobal regularly correspond with Partner Services on issues pertaining to Payment.

Officials in my Department regularly engage with Pobal, discussing specific service requests, including requests for backdating. My Department is aware that Pobal has previously communicated that backdating for this specific service would not be possible in this instance. The Department has also replied to this service, through the representations system, informing them of the specific reason that backdating would not be possible in this case.

Special supports are available from my Department where a service is experiencing financial difficulty or has concerns about their viability. These supports are accessed through the services local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC).

The supports provided by local CCC’s include; assisting services with interpreting analysis of staff ratios and cash flow, as well as more specialised advice and support including financial supports as appropriate to the individual circumstances of Partner Services.

If any service is experiencing financial difficulty and would like support, I would encourage them to contact their CCC to access case management supports. Contact details for local CCC can be found at www.myccc.ie.