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Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to reduce the cost of childcare; the steps being taken to prevent the closure of early years and crèche services; if there is a timeframe in place to cap childcare costs

hours per week, which is the most common full-day care service, is €295 per week before State subsidies under the national childcare scheme and the ECCE programme are deducted. For those on the minimum level of subsidy, this will bring their out-of-pocket costs down … families say that if it were not a free service, they would never have been able to access it. The national childcare scheme complements the ECCE programme, giving universal and targeted subsidies to reduce costs for parents. Recent improvements include the extension of the universal subsidy to children

Deputy and I have discussed this at length. It is my strong view that the notion of 75 homes and providing 20 childcare places is not fit for purpose. We have also discussed that there are many units across the country that were built-for-purpose childcare

will form part of the action plan? I am looking forward to that action plan because to address any of the issues in childcare, whether that be affordability or availability, we have to address all the issues in childcare, such as infrastructure, staff and retention and funding models

support to assist both registered and unregistered childminders. It is also only right and proper that parents themselves would benefit from the national childcare scheme. That is also a support to childminders. I am very happy to engage and do so an ongoing basis with … make it accessible. It is for that reason that we specifically funded the childminding development officer with the city and county childcare committees to work with and to support childminders. If anybody has any specific difficulties, I suggest they make direct contact with that development officer in their

reference next the work the Minister did as Minister for Education in ensuring that more schools opened their facilities after hours for childcare, particularly for after-school care. The Minister will be aware, however, that there have been difficulties with some school boards in getting those schools open … Department and her former Department of education to ensure that schools are directed to open those facilities for after-school care and for childcare in general. It would be great to see a national strategy for after-school and wraparound care. At the heart of this is allowing

asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the concerns of parents with children attending a childcare centre (details supplied); the actions she will take to engage with management of this childcare centre on these concerns; and if she will make

owners of this facility say that the core funding model traps services in outdated, frozen fee structures while the cost of delivering quality childcare has continued to rise. I want this scheme to work. I want to make sure that the Minister's engagement with this company works … into it - and yes, it is their option to do that - does that not massively compromise our ability to reduce the cost of childcare? They have changed it in respect of three centres but there are 11 in Dublin. Is the Minister not concerned that

funding provided by the Department for early learning and care, ELC, and school-aged childcare services is provided on the same basis to both Irish medium and English medium services, whether inside or outside Gaeltacht areas. In line with commitments in the five-year action plan … Departments and agencies to develop a national plan to further the development of Irish language provision in the ELC and the school-age childcare sector. The development of such a plan is a commitment in the five-year action plan for the Irish language. The national plan

Tánaiste and the Fine Gael Party campaigned in relation to the cost of childcare at the election last year. I was pleased that we made sure it was central to the programme for Government that we would reduce the cost for parents to €200. We know that … happened yet, but I understand that work is taking place in that regard. We also know that some childcare providers are leaving the sector in anticipation and because it has not happened yet. Can the Tánaiste provide us with an update on how progress is going on that

want to see progress made as quickly as possible. The Minister, Deputy Foley, is working her way through 21 commitments on childcare in the programme for Government. That gives the Deputy an indication of the priority - 21 specific commitments. She will produce an action plan that will … Government on childcare. We will have to decide the sequencing in a logical way in terms of capacity, fees and the impact of a reduction on one in terms of capacity and the likes. I expect around budget time that we will have greater clarity on the next

doing that, both suffer. That is the reality. In Ballaghaderreen in 2017, funding came from the Department of justice for a new childcare facility. That was later pulled. A primary care centre was first promised way back in 2012, but because of the severe capacity issues affecting both … totally avoidable, regardless of where the town is and what its situation is. Unfortunately, the resources were never put in. Luckily, funding for childcare was got elsewhere, and the project will proceed. It is desperately needed. The circumstances of the primary school in Ballaghaderreen are similar. There

programme for Government committed to reducing childcare costs to €200 per month per child. Families across the country are under financial pressure. It is imperative that this commitment is delivered on within the lifetime of this Government. I urge the Taoiseach to ensure it remains a key focus … Cabinet committee on children and education. Affordable childcare

Childcare, yes. Affordable childcare is not only essential for parents, but also for workforce participation, equality and the well-being of children. I appreciate it is complex and I appreciate the work already undertaken by the Minister, Deputy Norma Foley, to realise this commitment but could the Taoiseach

sense and flexibility should apply. I will speak to the Minister in respect of the issues he raises. Deputy Dempsey spoke about affordable childcare. Much progress has been made to date. There was a major issue with places this time round. We are always trying to balance … forward and substantial moneys being made available to the joint labour committee for an increase, but developmental career pathways for people working in childcare is still an issue. Deputy Ardagh raised the proposal by the Department of education to redesignate 29 schools, which I heard about in recent

carers will receive an increase in their payment. The back to school clothing and footwear allowance will be paid over the summer months. Childcare costs have reduced this year and for September, and fee caps will be in place. Some 96% of children aged between three and five … early years programme. That demonstrates significant investment in childcare over the past number of years. There is not credibility attached to the Deputy's assertion that there has not been investment in public services. There has been very significant investment in public services

bhí sásta áiteanna nua-aimseartha a chur ar fáil agus a chruthú. I am advised by the Minister that 50 early learning and childcare providers have been shortlisted for funding under this scheme and that these services are working closely with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality … which the Deputy refers, níor chuir an tseirbhís sin iarratas isteach faoin scéim seo, but I am advised that the Waterford County Childcare Committee has been working with the service to provide them with support and identify opportunities to meet their particular circumstances. The Minister is considering

capacity. This will include additional resources for forward planning, the development of a capital programme of investment for State-owned early learning and childcare facilities, co-ordination with the school building programme, supports for services within schools and developing planning guidelines to ensure that early learning and childcare

keeping up. They are hit from all angles, whether extortionate rents, massive energy bills, the high cost of petrol and diesel or unaffordable childcare. The one thing that is putting households under most pressure at this time is the cost of food. Some 91% of respondents told … things. Lorraine told us: As two university graduates with 4 children, we struggle every week. Only one parent can work full time as childcare is too expensive. We are trying to manage 6 people on 1 salary. Our grocery bill has skyrocketed. We try to save

access HRT see that it has been made free in the last number of weeks. Student grant payments will increase from September and childcare costs have fallen this year. When the Government came into office, we decided to extend the reduced VAT rate on gas electricity for exactly … people in the budget with the cost of living, absolutely. Read our programme for Government and read what we want to do on childcare and for small businesses. Read what we intend to do for carers and how we intend to support farmers. Expect to see progress

name of the Member in each case: Deputy Sinéad Gibney - To discuss the closure of a montessori in Stepaside and general lack of childcare availability in Dublin Rathdown. Deputy Erin McGreehan - To discuss the use of Louth County Hospital in Dundalk as a surgical hub for the north … Deputy Mattie McGrath - To discuss funding of Cluain training and enterprise centre in Clonmel, County Tipperary. Deputy Aidan Farrelly - To discuss the national childcare scheme for children with disabilities. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan - To discuss implementation of legislative timelines for assessing and reimbursing medicines applied for by pharmaceutical

acknowledge that many early learning and childcare services report recruitment and retention challenges. In general, these challenges are not caused by insufficient supply of staff, but by high levels of turnover. Data from the sector profile survey shows a turnover rate of 24.5% in 2023, with almost … funding available. My officials also continue to discuss issues of recruitment and retention with stakeholders through a subgroup of the early learning and childcare stakeholder forum. While the general consensus of the group is that pay is the single biggest issue, the group continues to identify other actions

Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of new childcare providers who have entered the sector in each of the past five years; the number of childcare providers who have left the sector in each of the past five years

issue that always arises during my weekly clinics in County Clare is the lack of childcare places. This is such an enormous stress for almost all working parents. An adequate level of such facilities is important from an educational perspective, but also as critical enablers for parents … join the workforce. Will the Minister provide a breakdown of the number of childcare providers that have entered and left the sector over the last five years

system without any extra facilities, highlighted by this direct quote from the manager of one facility: Allocation of a blanket of 45 hours childcare per week to a family without full consideration of their circumstances is completely clogging up the system. I regularly see 45 hours allocated … hours are allocated were re-examined. I suggest the Minister examine this process to see if an amendment would deliver taking extra childcare spaces in the short term

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the steps she is taking to poverty proof the national childcare scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37000/26

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will review the eligibility criteria of the national childcare scheme to ensure that children's developmental needs, rather than parental labour market status, are the primary determinant of hours awarded; and if she will make

asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures in place to ensure the financial sustainability of not for profit, community based childcare services in areas of disadvantage, particularly in Fingal where such services make up a disproportionately small share of overall provision; and if she will

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether she will introduce nationally consistent criteria for awarding sponsored childcare places, including clarity on eligibility and hours, given wide regional variation in current practice; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37007/26

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will consider backdating funding for sponsored childcare places where services provide care during referral delays to meet urgent child welfare needs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37008/26

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the supports available for parents with low literacy or digital skills who are required to complete national childcare scheme applications; whether alternative, simplified application pathways are being considered; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37009/26

Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the steps being taken to reduce the administrative burden on childcare providers arising from NCS registration, CHICK number expiry and funding changes, which divert staff time away from direct work with children; and if she will make

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on the process underway to select the first eight areas for State-led childcare services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37092/26

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality regarding special arrangements under the national childcare scheme for vulnerable children, facilities in the Dublin mid-west constituency that currently have placement availability remaining under this scheme; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality regarding special arrangements under the national childcare scheme for vulnerable children, if she is aware that some service providers refuse the enrolment of vulnerable children due to funding shortfalls; if she intends to address this

Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the way in which a person (details supplied) can access an available childcare placement under special arrangements for vulnerable children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37682/26

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her attention has been drawn to staffing concerns in a childcare centre (details supplied); the actions she will take to engage with management to address these concerns; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding mechanisms in place to ensure that childcare providers are meeting their service obligations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37687/26

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the mechanisms in place when a childcare provider is not meeting their service obligations on a consistent basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37688/26

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding any mechanisms in place to support families that experience consistent service failures from their childcare providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37689/26

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding any initiatives that seek to increase the number of people working in the childcare sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37690/26

Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding any support networks in place for childcare centres that are experiencing staff shortages; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37691/26

ongoing financial viability of the service, while also safeguarding continuity of access for families and ensuring that children do not lose their childcare place as a result of provider change or increased costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37751/26

Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to confirm the policy for the refund of deposits for ECCE places in childcare facilities; if these deposits should be refunded if a parent gives ample notice of intention to relocate the child to another facility commencing

Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether any quantified target exists to reduce Tusla’s reliance on private residential childcare placements; and if not, whether such a target will be introduced. [36375/26

Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of recipients of the national childcare scheme and the early childhood care and education programme, broken down by electoral division of recipients, not Local Electoral Area, for the most recent year for which data

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the total funding provided for childcare in each Budget between 2016 and 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35558/26

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the total funding provided for the National Childcare Scheme for each year between 2019 and 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35560/26

Equality based on current numbers, the estimated full year cost of increasing the universal hourly subsidy of €2.14 available under the National Childcare Scheme by €0.75; by €1; by €1.50; by €2 hour for a maximum of 45 hours per week; and if she will make a statement

Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the engagement she has had with childcare providers who have expressed concerns in relation to core funding; if her Department has engaged with a provider (details supplied) who has recently advised parents that they are leaving core