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snowed under with data sets. Yet in Meath East, parents are alternating between commuting to work and campaigning alongside public representatives for childcare and school places. Students switch from study to work to keeping social connections trying to navigate disconnected, under resourced modes of transport. Examples include … Ashbourne and Ratoath. Currently, there is anxiety, fear and frustration among parents and school teams in Duleek, Dunboyne and Dunshauglin. All are awaiting childcare places, school places, classrooms and appropriate resources not diluted in special education, but provided in line with will and preference. All of these issues

million does not sound that much. Speaking as the Chair of the Joint Committee on Children and Equality, I acknowledge the lack of childcare and how much that is causing people to struggle in their households. There was a recent announcement of €135 million over the lifetime … this Government to deliver State-led childcare. When we compare that €135 million with the €775 million, it is going to be swallowed up pretty quickly. It is just putting the amount of money into context. I think €775 million is similar to the whole budget for disability

been introduced, supporting 763,000 workers to build retirement security and, for the first time, public investment in a public model of childcare to build and overhaul our childcare systems

pumps have skyrocketed since America's illegal war on Iran began. That is on top of soaring grocery prices, electricity, housing, childcare and insurance costs. None of this was inevitable. The Government has failed to act to reduce what are the highest electricity bills in Europe, leaving more … than 300,000 in arrears. The Government has failed to do anything about price gouging in big supermarkets. It has failed to cap childcare costs, as promised, in its first year. It has made it policy that renters will face thousands of euro in rent hikes

relatively small county but 12,000 people are commuting out of it every morning to work, according to a local authority survey. Childcare cannot be accessed. Childcare places simply are not available in most of the county. We need one of the centres the Government has planned

trying to continue to provide the service she was already providing. Since I was elected as a TD, I have met lots of childcare providers in my constituency who have had to make this difficult decision to exit core funding. They do not want to tell parents that … they are going to have to increase their fees, and obviously the Government is trying to reduce the cost of childcare for parents. My question is on the level of engagement the Department can have with providers that do exit. From responses to parliamentary questions, I know

eliminating gender-based bullying in education settings and ensuring that learning environments actively promote gender equality. Access to high-quality early learning and childcare is a key part of this as it has a profound impact on a child's development, learning and social skills. Ireland has several … programmes in place to support children from all backgrounds in accessing early learning and childcare from an early age. For example, the early childhood care and education, ECCE, programme provides two years of free pre-school, with a participation rate of 96% every year. Over

women. Conditions like endometriosis remain under-diagnosed, under-treated and under-funded, leaving countless women in pain and struggling to live full lives. Childcare remains unaffordable for far too many families, contributing to gender gaps in economic outcomes. We must see progress from the Government on its promise … introduce a €200 cap on childcare costs. We must guarantee fair pay, safe communities that are free from violence, inclusive services and full representation for women in every decision-making space. I cannot speak about International Women’s Day without mentioning our sisters in Palestine. Tá mná

women earning less per hour, but far too many of them are forced to work fewer hours because of a lack of childcare or the burden of having to care for older people. This is an issue we talk far too little about. We talk a great deal … about childcare - my colleague Deputy Wall will talk about that in a moment - but many women holding down jobs are also caring for older relatives. Almost 30% of women in this country work part-time hours, some by choice but many out of necessity. That has a real

likely to have to take unpaid leave, move to part-time employment or leave the labour market due to a lack of affordable childcare. Focus Ireland recently found that 57% of homeless families in this country were one-parent families. Even though I would say we have moved … vulnerable by default, but there are fixes that would help all of society and also help single parents disproportionately. A public model of childcare, social and affordable housing, collective bargaining and stronger workers' rights would all help single parents more than they would help other parts

hotel room. My kids ask me every day when we will have a home again. I don't have an answer. Another stated: Childcare is impossible. I want to work, but how can I when I can't afford it and there's no support? It feels like … particular who are unable to do anything about their lower incomes and who are locked out of work due to the cost of childcare and locked out of the property market on foot of house prices that the Government is keen to continue to allow to rise

Neville - To discuss the completion of emergency works at St. Patrick's Primary School in Celbridge. Deputy Robert O'Donoghue - To discuss community childcare facilities in Dublin Fingal West. Deputy Malcolm Byrne - To discuss the review of the Garda vetting process and planned measures for simplification. Deputy Pádraig … Sullivan - To discuss the capacity of childcare provision in Cork North-Central. Deputy Conor D. McGuinness - To discuss the need for neurodiversity early intervention classes in primary schools in Waterford. The matters raised by Deputies Joe Neville, Shane Moynihan and Robert O'Donoghue have been selected for discussion

Ardagh - To discuss funding for the Ballyfermot Youth Service and the adventure centre and skatepark project, Deputy Robert O'Donoghue - To discuss community childcare facilities in Fingal West. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí - To discuss the importance of eating disorder services during eating disorder awareness week. Deputy Joanna Byrne … POWs from a British penal colony in Western Australia on 17 April 1876. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - To discuss the capacity of childcare provision in Cork North-Central. Deputy James O'Connor - To discuss the return of the Midleton-Youghal rail corridor. Deputy Matt Carthy - To discuss delivery

early years services and childminders have been receiving rates payable notifications from their local authorities. Given the importance of early learning and childcare for children, families and communities across the country, I am giving this matter my full attention. I have met with my Cabinet colleague, the Minister … with an update once the Department has clarity on this matter. It should be noted that commercial rates payments for early learning and childcare providers, including childminders, do not fall, as the Deputy will appreciate, within the remit of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. The Department

doing all we can to support childminders, particularly to come into the registration process. There are dedicated individuals in every city and county childcare committee specifically designated to work with childminders. We want them to be part to the process and to have every opportunity to benefit from … currently a pilot with childminders in receipt of core funding by a grant or whatever, and a consultation process as regards the wider childcare elements. Through that, there is a lot of engagement with childminders. I would be very happy to engage with them as well through that

Minister to give full consideration for Laois to be given one of the first directly State-led, publicly owned childcare facilities. I say that in welcoming the new scheme that was announced on 21 January. Laois is one of the fastest growing counties in terms of population outside … Dublin, and there is real pressure on childcare places

thank the Deputy for raising this issue and for the engagement he had with the childcare sector this week. This is certainly something we intend to examine as a Government. We all know in this House that there is huge demand for childcare places. We need to support

benefits of remote work to parents in employment is massive. Many parents living in rural Ireland face larger gaps in the provision of childcare and have to undertake longer commutes to accommodate work and childcare. The reduction in hours spent commuting benefits rural workers who can often live

recognition of the town of Ballaghaderreen and what had been done. A fund was announced that would see the development of a childcare facility in the town. At least that was something in terms of acknowledging what the people of Ballaghaderreen had done. That funding from the Department … came together and it was found through the community recognition fund at the very last minute. We are still awaiting the childcare facility but I am very glad to say it will open in the coming weeks. The funding was put in place by the Department of justice

content with those sustainable increases, as the Government referred to them. The Minister of State also did not address the unaffordable cost of childcare because, again, that is one of those things those in government say when they are running for election. The Minister of State, Deputy Dillon … October-November 2024 without reminding people of their commitment to introduce within 100 days of government a plan for €200 per week childcare. What happened to that? Again, all the pre-election promises are gone like snow off a ditch because they are in now and they

highest in Europe. Core to this question of the cost of living is what the components are. They are energy, food, childcare and housing - the list seems endless. What is not often reported are the extreme levels of costs in Ireland relative to our European peers. We have … most expensive food prices in the EU, some of the highest rents and mortgage interest rates in Europe and no public model of childcare. Our exceptionalism in how we rip people off in this country is unparalleled. What was the Government's response? It was a budget

plus scheme. There is a 22% increase totalling €7.3 million for youth justice supports. The expansion of the income thresholds for the national childcare scheme will reduce the cost of childcare for lower income families. On migration, we have published a new International Protection Bill to allow

technological university. Dunmore East fisheries harbour waits while opportunities are lost. Even basic maintenance of regional and local roads is falling behind. Schools, childcare facilities and naonraí are left without sufficient capital funding and are falling far below projected population growth and actual population demand. The failure … Touraneena is left without an adequate supply and crumbling infrastructure is holding back home building in Lismore and creating uncertainty for businesses, schools, childcare facilities and care homes there. We need to see a dedicated fund to deal with legacy failures regarding water and wastewater. Estates built with

section 21, the provision of legal advice and legal representation to a guardian ad litem who is appointed to a child in childcare proceedings. This is an issue I have raised with the Minister previously. As we all know, at the moment GALs have the right to legal … service is being established to ensure children's voices are heard and their best interests are independently presented by an appointed GAL in childcare proceedings. It goes on to say the best interests of the child are paramount. If the GAL whose sole responsibility

Minister and her officials for embarking on what appears to be quite an exciting venture in regard to a public model of childcare. I reiterate the opportunity they have in respect of the very effective work the joint Oireachtas committee, of which I am a member, is doing … experience homelessness do so alongside their parents. There is limited mention of this in the Bill. Section 6 outlines the establishment of the childcare implementation and inter-agency committee. I applaud the Minister for the inclusion of this very important legislative provision to ensure the rights and protections

Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Education and Youth whether school-age childcare and after-school services operating in or through primary schools are required to make provision for children with disabilities or additional needs; what statutory, regulatory or funding obligations apply to such services in relation

Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration the full cost to his Department of providing of transport arrangements for IPAS children attending childcare facilities/school including taxi’s, school bus/ alternative transport arrangements; if his Department covers these costs or if they are covered by the Department of Education

Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if repeated room closures by childcare providers impact compliance with core funding obligations and staffed capacity requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41480/26

Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the protections or supports in place for families with no alternative full-time childcare available locally. [41481/26

Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide a progress report on the provision of childcare facilities at the former convent in Listowel, County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42133/26

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of childcare providers operating under the core funding model in each of the bands A-F, by local authority area, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42498/26

James O'Connor asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures being taken, or are planned, to increase the availability of childcare places for children aged 0-3 years old in Waterford; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42907/26

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if there are flexibilities in place for a childcare centre categorised in band F to revise their fees (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42945/26

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the basis for allowing different upper fee rates for childcare centres in band F based on when they joined the core funding scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42946/26

asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of expressions of interest received by her Department regarding the State-led capital childcare programme. [43060/26

Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the further steps being considered to support families with the cost of childcare and to improve availability of places; if she will outline any planned measures in this area; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the total expenditure incurred by Tusla on private residential childcare placements in each of the years 2021 to 2025 and to date in 2026; the expenditure attributable to each private provider in each year; the number

Children, Disability and Equality whether Tusla has established targets, milestones, implementation plans or projected timelines to reduce its dependency on private residential childcare providers; the current and projected public residential placement capacity planned for each of the years 2026 to 2030; and if she will make a statement

Children, Disability and Equality if she will review the core funding rules which require a six-month break in service where a new childcare provider seeks to introduce a different fee structure, in circumstances where a premises has transferred ownership; to consider introducing flexibility to prevent

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department has assessed childcare capacity in Lusk, County Dublin, in light of the planned closure of the learn to grow service at the end of July 2026; the measures being put in place to ensure

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if consideration has been given to allowing continuity of childcare provision in an existing premises where ownership transfers between providers, without requiring a break in service, in order to protect continuity for children and families

Children, Disability and Equality how frequently the requirement for a break in service under Core Funding rules has resulted in delayed openings of childcare services nationally; if a review of this requirement is planned; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43889/26

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the supports or flexibilities available to new childcare providers who have purchased an existing facility but are unable to open due to Core Funding restrictions; if these rules are being kept under review; and if she will

Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she is aware of a childcare provider in Kildare making large operational changes affecting location and pricing structure only after families had signed onto the service (details supplied); if recourse mechanisms exist for families

Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she is aware of the cancellation of summer childcare provision for children due to commence primary school in September 2026 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41342/26

Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if consideration is being given to the establishment of a targeted summer childcare support scheme for working families during school holiday periods, particularly for children transitioning from preschool to primary school; and if she will make

recognised state; his views on whether a waiting time of one to three months places a serious obstacle to accessing education, employment and childcare for those entering or returning to the country from abroad; the measures that will be put in place to reduce this waiting period

Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 974 of 12 May 2026, the engagement there has been with the management of a childcare centre (details supplied) in relation to their planned withdrawal from core funding; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40435/26

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the mechanisms in place to allow for price increases by childcare centres that are within the core funding model; if there is a maximum increase allowable within the contract; the way in which that is calculated

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding flexibility within the core funding model for a childcare centre (details supplied) to increase their pricing in the context of significant running cost increases; and if she will make a statement on the matter