Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) what department in Northern Ireland is to be responsible for the allocation of the out-of-school grants as agreed by the Department of Employment; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will publish the amount of money to be made available to Northern Ireland for child care provision under the out-of-school child care grant; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsIt is not always possible for grants available from GB Departments to be immediately replicated by Northern Ireland Departments. The out-of-school child care grant has not been extended to Northern Ireland. The possibility of introducing a scheme of this kind is currently being examined by an inter-departmental group which will advise Ministers. If it is decided that a scheme is feasible or can be funded, then a decision will be made about assigning departmental responsibility for it.
Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what provision is made for grants to those organisations and individuals who organise out-of-school arrangements in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsIn the health and personal social services field, funding of local day care projects is the responsibility of the four area health and social services boards. These projects are aimed at looking after children who might be at risk of being harmed or becoming delinquent. Support 357W can be provided on a once only basis towards a project's start-up costs and for equipment, and on a recurring basis towards annual running costs. In addition, the Department of Health and Social Services can support the central administrative expenditure of regional voluntary child care organisations whose work advances the Department's strategic objectives.