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last decade has seen a big shift in public policy towards childcare in this country. The State now recognises that the first five years are a critical developmental time for young children and has built a range of supports for parents and children so they can give their … accessible and affordable. There has been real progress in recent years, including the doubling of investment in early years education, the halving of childcare costs and the huge increase in the number of parents using the national childcare scheme. All those numbers are going in the right direction

years. I hope he acknowledges the commitment of the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael parties, with the Green Party, to the issue of childcare during the last Government when it dealt substantially with pay and conditions and money was allocated to successive Ministers for public expenditure in respect … trade unions on pay and conditions. The unions acknowledged that at the time. There was the freeze on increases in the cost of childcare and there was very significant investment in childcare itself. It struck me that when Members are in opposition they talk very nobly

Central to this is a commitment in the programme for Government to progressively reduce, over the lifetime of the Government, the cost of childcare to €200 per child through the national childcare scheme and also explore options to cap costs for larger families. This will be achieved through … further and ongoing investment in the national childcare scheme as well as providing universal and targeted subsidies to assist parents with childcare affordability or to help them back into the workforce. In budget 2025, State investment in the early years sector exceeded €1.37 billion for the very first

politician's mother in the world, and my husband and daughters, who are quickly following in their footsteps. A total of 262 childcare services in Fingal signed up to core funding this year. As of 13 January, 37% of those services applied for a fee adjustment if they … Fingal, which has been passed on to hundreds of parents who bought into and benefited from the increase in subsidies under the national childcare scheme last year, who felt a reduction in their household bills in September, only to see it or a portion of it wiped

young people and threaten our competitiveness in the areas of housing, transport and essential services that we depend on like education, disability and childcare. In Dublin West, we feel the cost of delay every day. We must tackle deeply-set barriers, whether they are systemic, structural or simply … roadmap and commitments in the programme for Government, through reform and delivery. Dublin has its challenges. In that context, a lack of childcare, after-school infrastructure and youth services needs to become a thing of the past. Not only is the lack to which I refer affecting

comes to the children and young people of Ireland and in our society, we cannot afford more of the same. The issue of childcare and early years education warrants an emergency policy consideration. In Kildare, we know of families travelling upwards of 60 minutes each way, and that … they are lucky enough to have a place in childcare. Yesterday, I spoke with a family who have been on waiting lists for seven different childcare facilities since April 2024. They told me there are 400 children on the waiting list for one of the crèches. It impacts

thank the Minister. The other area I wish to ask about is childcare costs. I recently met a young family in Newbridge, County Kildare, who are paying €1,400 per month. The Minister will know, as it is often referenced in this House, that this is a second … mortgage. However, it is obviously not just in Newbridge that those are the costs of childcare; it is throughout the State. Linked to those costs are the turnover in staff where the average turnover is 25% of those working in the sector. Many of them quote

appreciate the investment that has been made in early childcare. It has increased by about 40% in recent years, so it is quite a substantial investment. Unfortunately, as the Minister is well aware, we still have some of the highest childcare costs in Europe and we are second … parents to try to meet. A recent Dublin Chamber of Commerce report found that nine out of ten businesses reported that the childcare crisis is a significant barrier to attracting and retaining staff. Not only is this affecting parents, children and childcare workers, it is also having

Specifically, so far this year, 3,569 children in Kilkenny are benefiting from a subsidy under the national childcare scheme. This represents an increase of almost 13% or 403 children in Kilkenny benefiting from this scheme when compared to the same period last year. This growth in national … childcare scheme beneficiaries is mirrored nationwide, with the numbers of children benefiting from the scheme up more than 70% since 2022 and record numbers - 178,000 children - benefiting already this year. Among this cohort are the children in childminding settings who have come forward for registration following changes

thank the Deputy. The national childcare scheme provides financial supports to parents to help reduce the cost of early learning and childcare. Only Tusla-registered providers are eligible to participate in the scheme. The limitation of public funding schemes to Tusla-registered providers helps to ensure that public … removes the legal exemption of childminders from registration and ensures parents who use Tusla-registered childminders are eligible for subsidies under the national childcare scheme. The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 set out a pathway for the extension of registration to childminders. A key objective

Taoiseach aware that women in Dublin are struggling to find childcare before they return to work? They are spending endless hours ringing around crèches and on childcare websites instead of spending quality time with their new babies. Some mothers delay their return to work not because … best option for their families but because it is the only option. There are 262 childcare services in receipt of core funding in Fingal and there have been at least 62 fee adjustments, impacting hundreds of parents, since December. Those fee increases are coming out of the enhanced

thank the Deputy. Investment in the early learning and childcare sector is now at an unprecedented level with public funding exceeding €1.37 billion in 2025. We have never had as much money being expended. This clearly demonstrates the Government’s commitment to this area. As well as addressing … programme for Government provides the impetus now to go much further however, and to deliver more high-quality early learning and childcare places at a cost that is affordable to families. Under this Government, the recently established supply management unit in the Department will be resourced and transformed

been very conscious of the cost for parents and families so it has committed to establishing a €200 per month cap on childcare costs in the lifetime of this Government. Significant progress has already been made in this regard through the establishment of the Together for Better funding … model. This funding allows for greater control of the cost of early learning and childcare for parents, with adjustments that can be made on the supply and demand sides. On the demand side, it is important to say that the national childcare scheme allows for the flexible allocation

children of Ireland, in particular in my home constituency of Carlow–Kilkenny, deserve quality childcare that is accessible and affordable and will give them the best start in life. The key word here is "accessibility" because we have a significant number of providers that are oversubscribed and have … their arms. It absolutely needs to be addressed. I acknowledge the significant unprecedented investment and how the previous Government succeeded in reducing childcare costs by 50% on average for families around the country. This is very welcome, but in April last year, an Irish Independent survey found that

well aware of the pressures on childcare services across the country and in Dublin. The last Government, in particular, introduced a number of initiatives on the childcare front, such that the investment in childcare is now approximately €1.37 billion. The data show that more children have places, more … must start by stabilising and creating proper career pathways and income supports, and improving the pay and conditions, for people working in childcare services. The first ever pay agreement was arrived at with the unions and was facilitated by Government funding. We froze the increase in fees through

core funding now stands at €331 million in the current programme year. In addition to the core funding grant for early learning and childcare providers towards operating costs, which the services avail of, case management supports are also available from the Department for any services experiencing financial difficulty … support appropriate to individual circumstances. These supports can be accessed by any core funding partner service by contacting their local city or county childcare committee. I have been informed by the Minister and her Department that the service in question is engaging with the Dublin City Childcare Committee

know from her time in the Seanad, and now representing the constituency of Dublin West in the Dáil, that the cost of childcare is one she has been raising consistently and one she is very passionate about. By way of background, core funding represents a significant increase … both to pay and non-pay costs, thereby creating the conditions for this. This effective fee freeze ensured the increases to the national childcare scheme universal subsidy in 2023 were fully felt by parents in corresponding reductions in out-of-pocket costs. In recognition of the notable difference

difference between using the subsidies to mitigate fee increases and reducing the impact on individual families and the real cost of their childcare. A 25% reduction in childcare fees in the household budget in 2023 was meaningful but the 50% reduction last September was significant. We should still … reliance on private providers so that all communities have access to services, developing a system of forward planning and the delivery of appropriate childcare infrastructure capable of meeting demand. For now, childcare services need to be funded fairly in order to be viable operations, and parents need

owners trying to expand their operations, the farming families looking to hand over to the next generation, the parents trying to secure affordable childcare and ensuring better access for people with disabilities. These were some of the issues I encountered. Throughout the campaign, the Irish people listened carefully … transport, including reductions in the pupil-teacher ratio and expanding the school transport scheme. We also want to progressively reduce the cost of childcare through the national childcare scheme and explore options to cap costs for larger families, while ensuring childcare providers’ fees are open, transparent, equitable

constituents in Dublin Mid-West, delivery means real action in improving their everyday lives, be it in transport, housing, education or childcare. The policies in this programme for Government will shape the Ireland we leave to the next generation, and we must get them right. For my part … communities, in Dublin Mid-West especially, have access to adequate road infrastructure for all modes of transport. I welcome the continued progress on childcare. Parents should not have to choose between work and affordability and childcare workers deserve fair pay for the vital role they play. This Government

give effect to it. That is work that can be done. It could usefully be done by an Oireachtas committee in respect of childcare, just like we did in terms of healthcare and other areas in the past. It needs a fairly detailed analysis and engagement with … stakeholders in the area of childcare. We can create legal rights and constitutional rights, but, fundamentally, the real meat is in the provision of resources, with structures and systems that give the desired outcome of access to childcare places for everybody who requires

want to ask the Minister about her ongoing work in the Department focusing on the reduction of childcare costs and making childcare more accessible. What are the plans to get to the commitment in the programme for Government to reduce childcare costs to €200 per child per month

Investment in early learning and childcare is now at unprecedented levels with public funding exceeding €1.37 billion in 2025, clearly demonstrating the Government’s commitment to this area. As well as addressing affordability, this investment has served to improve accessibility, availability and the quality of provision … programme for Government provides the impetus now to go much further and to deliver more high-quality early learning and childcare places at a cost that is affordable to families. Under this Government, the recently established supply management unit in the Department will be resourced and transformed into

Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the efforts being made to urgently address the crisis within the childcare system, with many childcare facilities unable to attract and retain staff; whether childcare facilities struggling to retain staff and at risk of closure

much are withdrawing their labour. They cannot afford to live in the cities or the cost of living when it comes to childcare provision. None of these issues seem to be addressed in the programme for Government. There are some great statements on what the Government would like … question it, whether about the falsity of the housing figures presented willingly by the Government or the inability to promote what the public childcare in this programme for Government is, was, "Ye had your chance". That is not true. Long before any of us were around any table

Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the efforts being made to urgently address the crisis within the childcare system, with many childcare facilities unable to attract and retain staff; whether childcare facilities struggling to retain staff and at risk of closure

Deputy Tom Brabazon asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the measures being taken to increase the number of childcare facilitates in Dublin Bay north; the number of current childcare facilities in Dublin Bay north and the number of childcare facilities in Dublin Bay north

Question No. 1278 of 22 January 2025, in the context of the Programme for Government commitment to review and increase core funding for childcare services, whether she can detail the actions that will be taken to entice childcare providers who have exited core funding back into core funding … ensuring the fee cap is maintained for the benefit of all parents; if she will provide a specific dedicated forum for engagement with childcare providers who have exited core funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3463/25

Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the work ongoing within her Department toward the reduction of childcare costs and making childcare more accessible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7540/25

Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of childcare providers that have closed in Louth; and the childcare places that have been lost as a result of closures in Louth in each of the years 2020 to 2025. [2232/25

Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth her plans to address the lack of childcare facilities in Youghal, County Cork; her plans to build and or purchase State-owned childcare facilities to address the unmet capacity needs in the local Youghal area

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the steps that will be taken to replace a cut in service hours in a childcare facility (details supplied) particularly in a community where there is already a shortage of affordable childcare. [3338/25

Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth her plans, if any, to address the shortage of childcare places in Dublin south west, which according to a recent report has the worst shortage of childcare places nationally (details supplied); and if she will

Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Education what measures are being taken to identify primary schools for after-school childcare services; the up-to-date position on review of the guidelines on the use of school buildings outside of school hours; and if she will make

reply to the parliamentary question; if she is committed to implementing the commitment made in the programme for Government to extend the national childcare scheme to childminders working in the family home, with sensible regulations that fit home-based care; how that specific commitment will be fulfilled

Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children in Louth benefiting from the national childcare scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7726/25

Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children in Kilkenny benefiting from the national childcare scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7547/25

Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth what steps she intends to take to implement the programme for Government commitment to extend the national childcare scheme to childminders working in the family home with sensible regulations that fit home-based care; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will outline her plans to increase childcare places to meet growing demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7763/25

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will outline all grant funding available to public and private operators of childcare facilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7549/25

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she agrees that childcare providers’ administrative burden is too high; the steps she will take to alleviate that burden, particularly for smaller providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7878/25

Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of early childcare providers who have closed their businesses in each of the past ten years. [7690/25

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the position regarding the gradual reduction of childcare costs as committed to in the Programme for Government; the steps she has taken to progress this policy; and if she will make a statement

Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the level of grant aid that will be available in 2025 for the upgrading or provision of new childcare accommodation, both for community providers and private providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7774/25

Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Justice if he has plans to introduce a payment for loss of earnings, childcare and others costs for those undertaking jury service, as exists in other jurisdictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7803/25

full-time care; if there are any measures in place to ensure fairness in such policies; and if she will engage with childcare providers to explore a more flexible approach that reflects the needs of families while supporting the sustainability of early childhood education services. [7982/25

Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the action she is taking to reduce the costs of childcare and of after-school care for parents who are being faced with huge increases in monthly costs; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his plans to reduce the cost of childcare in Ireland (details supplied). [8163/25

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of childcare providers in Dublin that are eligible for core funding; the number that signed up for core funding in 2024 and 2025; the number that have applied for a fee adjustment

Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she agrees that childcare providers’ administrative burden is too high; if she will detail the steps she will take to alleviate that burden, particularly for smaller providers; and if she will make a statement