615. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he is aware of an underpayment of core funding (details supplied); if the shortfall can be made good; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42651/24]

Core Funding 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.

In order to ensure fair and equal treatment of all services, an agreed backdating process is in place. I understand that in the case of the service you refer to, support was offered from Pobal and the service did not ultimately meet the requirements for backdating.

Where a service is experiencing financial difficulty or has concerns about their viability there are special supports are available from my Department which can be accessed through local City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs).

In relation to the query in respect of AIM Plus, I have requested that officials raise this issue with Pobal in order to advise the service how best to record its sessions.