Early learning and childcare services such as creches are to open from January 4 despite a Level 5 lockdown, the Government have confirmed.
The Government has announced that the services are deemed essential, despite schools remaining closed until at least January 11.
Due to the short extension to the Christmas break for schools, and the heightened level of restrictions some fluctuation in attendance at early learning and childcare services is expected, the Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman said.
The Minister confirmed that his Department would continue to make payments for its schemes where attendance in January is lower than anticipated.
Speaking this evening, Minister O’Gorman said: "The public health advice has indicated that the continued operation of early learning and childcare services is safe.
"Continued operation of these services is also in the interest of children and is critical for working parents, especially those in the workforce on whom we rely to deliver essential services.
"My Department will continue to ensure that all early learning and childcare providers and professionals are supported to deliver their services safely."
Minister O’ Gorman will meet with the Early Learning and Childcare COVID-19 Advisory Group on 31 December to brief sectoral representatives on this matter.
