COVID-19 Operating Support Payment (COSP) – Verification Checks

Portal Announcement: 02.09.2021

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY) has provided supports to the Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Care (SAC) sector in recognition of the particular challenges and difficulties facing providers.

One such support was the COVID-19 Operating Support Payment (COSP). The purpose of this payment was to support Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) services for the period 1 February to 28 March 2021.

As with all funding, the Department is required to ensure that the funding claimed was used for the purposes intended. The Department and Pobal will soon be undertaking verification checks against the criteria of the COSP for a sample of services funded. These checks will verify participating services’ compliance with the COSP and will be carried out remotely in line with public health advice.  The verification desk checks are expected to commence shortly and you will be notified in advance if your service is selected.

You are requested to review all of the materials carefully to ensure that you have met requirements of the COSP.

The Department and Pobal would like to thank you for your ongoing work and cooperation during this challenging time.