Early Childhood Care and Education

Tuesday, 21 October 2025

Questions (675)

David Cullinane

Question:

675. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will review the terms of AIM funding to facilitate appropriate backpay for retention of relevant qualified staff following the successful receipt of advanced levels of AIM support; if she will review the possibility of reimbursing a service provider for additional costs incurred due to exceptional circumstances and delays in securing further AIM funding, including critical infrastructural requirements directly related to the well-being of the children attending the service (details supplied). [56590/25]

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Written answers

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality

It is the Department’s understanding that Pobal, as the administrator of the AIM programme, has reviewed the service provider’s request to facilitate appropriate backpay for the retention of qualified staff following the approval of advanced levels of AIM support. Pobal has confirmed that all actions taken were in line with the programme rules governing AIM.

The Department are currently reviewing these rules, and a revised version of the rules will be published shortly.

In relation to your query on the Level 5 application for the service referenced, Pobal have informed this Department that they have been in direct contact with the service, and the issue has been resolved to the satisfaction of the service.