Written Answers Nos. 863-881
863. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children; Disability and Equality the key equality measures during 2025; her priorities for same in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72476/25]
View answerThe Department's forthcoming Statement of Strategy 2025-2028 will set out the goals which we aim to achieve across a range of policy areas over this period. The Department's activities in meeting these goals are outlined in its Annual Reports.
With regard to equality matters, my focus is on supporting the rights and aspirations of some of the most vulnerable groups in society. Some of the key measures that I have overseen in this space in 2025, as well as my priorities for 2026, are laid out below. These include measures aimed at improving the lives of and increasing opportunities available to those with disabilities, Travellers and Roma, the lgtbtiq+ community and women and girls.
The National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 was launched by Government on 3rd September 2025. It is a whole-of-government framework for the advancement of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and articulates commitments across education, employment, health, transport and independent living in the community.
In December 2025, the First Programme Plan of Action 2025-2026 was published detailing priority measures across 2025 and 2026 to deliver on the Strategy’s overarching commitments.
The implementation of actions under the nine themes of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy II 2024-2028 (NTRIS II) is ongoing. The second meeting of the NTRIS II Steering Committee took place on 17 September 2025, and two six-monthly progress updates have been published on the Traveller and Roma Inclusion webpages (gov.ie).
Equality measures under the NTRIS II focus on improving Traveller and Roma lives and on promoting equal participation and access to education, employment, health and housing and promoting a positive culture of respect for and protection of Traveller and Roma cultural identities. Key initiatives also include combatting racism and discrimination against Travellers and Roma and the ongoing implementation of the National Traveller Health Action Plan and the Traveller and Roma Education Strategy, as part of the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy II.
Priorities for 2026 include the continued implementation of the NTRIS II Action Plan 2024-2026 and the development of the second two-year NTRIS II Action Plan for 2027-2028.
The National LGBTIQ+ Inclusion Strategy II 2024-2028 (NLIS II) and accompanying first Action Plan 2025-2026 was launched on 12 June 2025. The first six monthly progress report on implementation of NLIS II actions, for the period of January to June 2025, was published on the gov.ie website.
Implementation of the Action Plan in 2025 included the rollout of the 2025 LGBTIQ+ Community Service Fund. Under the 2025 LGBTIQ+ Community Services Fund, a total of €1,724,268 in funding was disbursed to 42 organisations to support the LGBTIQ+ community in a range of ways including frontline community supports, counselling services, youth supports and Pride celebrations. Priorities for 2026 include the continued implementation of NLIS II Action Plan 2025-2026 and development of second NLIS II Action for 2027-2028.
The Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 introduced legal obligations for annual gender pay gap reporting in Ireland. This year, Ireland extended reporting obligations to employer with over 50 employees. The Department also created a centralised database-the Gender Pay Gap portal, which opened on a voluntary basis this year and will be mandatory for relevant employers next year. The system will allow the public to search for and compare employers and sectors, and help our understanding of the gender pay gap and how to eliminate it. 400 employers have now registered on the portal, and 198 reports have been submitted and approved.
In 2025, Ireland fully transposed the EU Gender Balance on Listed Corporate Boards Directive in 2025. The Directive stipulates that at least 40% of non-executive director positions should be held by members of the under-represented sex by 2026. In the coming year, the Department will engage with companies to ensure they are aware of their new obligations. The information required under the EU ‘Women on Boards’ Directive will be collected via Gender Pay Gap Portal.
On 18 November, I launched The National Strategy for Women and Girls 2025-2030; Ireland’s plan for advancing gender equality over the next five years. The Strategy has a single, simple vision: An Ireland where women and girls can thrive in a gender-equal society. Implementation of the Strategy will be facilitated through two action plans, the first of which will be published early in 2026.
Following a review of Ireland’s equality legislation, a General Scheme of the Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill was approved by Government in November 2024. This was referred for pre-legislative scrutiny by the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Children and Equality. The Committee issued its pre-legislative scrutiny report on the Bill in October, and officials are currently examining the recommendations in this report while work is ongoing on drafting the bill. Completion of the drafting process and passage of the Bill will be priorities for 2026.
The Directives on Standards for Equality Bodies set minimum requirements for the effective and independent operation of Equality Bodies in a number of key areas, in order to allow them to carry out their work more effectively in all Member States and to ensure a more uniform application of EU equal treatment law. It is a key priority for my Department that legislation to transpose the Directives will be in place by the deadline for transposition in June 2026.
I also hope to publish the Equality Data Strategy 2026-2031 shortly. This Strategy will set out priorities for the collection and use of equality data to improve evidence-based policy-making with greater positive impacts for equality in 2026 and the years to follow.
864. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the key measures taken in child protection services during 2025; her priorities for same in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72477/25]
View answerIt is imperative that all relevant Government Departments and State agencies work together proactively and effectively in the best interests of children and their welfare and protection. There is a lot of ongoing work in improving our child protection and welfare systems.
The Department published an addendum to the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, titled Dealing with Adult Retrospective Disclosures of Childhood Abuse in April 2025. This addendum relates to the legal responsibilities of mandated persons in cases where an adult discloses to them that they were abused as a child. The addendum was developed in consultation with Tusla, the HSE and members of the Children First Interdepartmental Implementation Group and provides important clarity for professionals working in this space.
The statutory Children First Inter-Departmental Implementation Group includes representatives from every Government Department, the HSE, Tusla and An Garda Síochána. Since January 2025, the Department has continued its role in monitoring and supporting implementation of the Children First Act 2015 through this structure, including submission of the of the Children First Inter-Departmental Implementation Group 2024 Annual Report to me. This work will continue in 2026.
The Department has been working with the Implementation Group on a number of actions to strengthen the wider safety net of children. This includes work to map key service contact points with children from birth to six years old, in order to identify where potential blind spots may emerge. Entering into 2026, it will be a priority for me that this work delivers recommendations on where measures can be introduced to strengthen child protection processes across key services for children.
In January 2025, The Executive Office, Guardian ad litem National Service was established. The Executive Office is tasked with the development of a project implementation plan for the commencement of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022. It is expected that the Guardian ad litem National Service will be in place mid-2026. There is substantial engagement with the Judiciary, Tusla, NGOs, Guardians ad litem and other stakeholders in preparation for commencement of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022.
The Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2025 has been published and, as of 9 December 2025, has been initiated in the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Bill will revise and update the Child Care Act 1991 to reflect changes in the child welfare and protection sector in Ireland and capture current legislative, policy and practice developments.
The proposed amendments in this Bill will support Tusla to deliver more effectively on its duties to children and families, through the introduction of guiding principles designed to strengthen the focus on the best interests of the child. It will better align Ireland’s legislation with the requirements of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and give further effect to Article 42A of the Constitution on the rights of the child.
It contains new measures to strengthen inter-agency co-operation and national coordination on child protection. Designated public bodies will be required to proactively share information and collaborate to deliver more coordinated and effective services, which will promote a more agile response across the State in keeping children safe from harm.
I will also be bringing forward amendments via the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2025, to place the National Review Panel on a statutory footing. This will further enhance the work of the National Review Panel, as well as strengthening its independence and its ability to compel information and witnesses in respect of all reviews that it undertakes. Pre legislative scrutiny on the bill will take place in 2026, and I am happy to consider suggested amendments that may be put forward.
Following Budget 2026, Tusla’s overall funding now stands at €1.371bn, an increase of 14% over its budget in 2025. This money will ensure that Tusla can continue to manage over 100,000 referrals annually. This investment supports Tusla’s multi-pronged, sustained strategy to address the recruitment and retention of child protection staff.
Budget 2026 includes funding for innovative “earn and learn” social work and social care work apprenticeship courses programmes and sponsorship. University College Cork introduced two new pathways into social work in 2024, which is expected to increase annual graduate output by 20%.
In relating to the difficulties in recruiting additional social workers, there is a commitment in the programme for Government to double the number of college places for social workers. In June the Government approved an expansion in training places for a range of health and social care professionals. This will provide up to 361 additional student places by 2028, including college places for social workers.
The post-COVID Wellbeing Check project is currently underway with Phase 1 nearing completion. The impetus for this project was two recent cases where children were known to Tusla, and whose cases were closed during the COVID-19 period. The Wellbeing Check is focused on cases that were closed by child protection services during the COVID-19 period and relates to cases where there has been no further contact with the child since. The purpose of the Wellbeing Check is to proactively test and strengthen the current safety net the State provides for children’s welfare and protection, and to provide assurances about the welfare of vulnerable children.
The Wellbeing Check is being overseen by an independent Steering Group chaired by Tanya Ward, CEO of the Children’s Rights Alliance. The membership of the Steering Group has been finalised and includes representatives from this Department and the Departments of Social Protection; Health; Education and Youth; Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; along with representatives from the Health Service Executive; Central Statistics Office; Tusla, Barnardos and an independent social work expert. The Steering Group has already met three times in December. The Steering Group will report into me in 2026 upon completion of its work, and I will consider any recommendations that arise.
In 2026 Tusla is implementing its Integrate Reform Programme with the introduction of revised structures and systems which will go live in January, 2026. The aims/benefits of the reform programme are as follows and to promote equity in service availability, promote capacity and promote quality of services and some of the important measures are as follows:
• Tusla is moving from 17 Areas in 6 regions to 30 Areas/Networks in 6 Regions. This will lead to a far more equitable distribution of children across Areas/Networks.
• Staff will work as part of multidisciplinary teams to ensure a range of professionals with different skills are available to respond to the needs of children, young people and families in the right way at the right time
• Tusla will have “one single front door” in each Area/Network, ensuring all referrals are screened by a multidisciplinary teams and offered the right support from the first point of contact.
• Tusla is improving its case management system. Key to this is the creation of a single record for each child and young person which will support integrated working including more streamlined referral and allocation system for residential care, improved communications, accurate data to improve decision making on an individual level and also resource allocation.
• Tusla is simplifying it’s standard business processes to reduce inefficiencies and maximise time with children and families facilitating more focus on direct contact and relationship building.
• Tusla is scaling up its alternative care placement capacity across emergency, mainstream and specialist services across the country to ensure more timely access to residential care for those that need it.
• Tusla is improving its engagement with community and voluntary services to ensure resources are being allocated in the most effective way to respond to the needs of the population in each Area.
The Department continues to lead out on the Cross-Governmental Coordination of the implementation of the Barnahus model in Ireland and chair the Barnahus Interdepartmental Group with representatives from Department of Health, Department of Justice, Tusla, An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Children’s Health Ireland and this work will continue in 2026.
The Department continues to work with and support Tusla, and partners across Government, in strengthening our child protection and welfare systems.
865. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will publish the criteria and decision-making processes in respect of her proposed changes to the assessment of need process; who will now carry out these assessments; the training or safeguards that will be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72506/25]
View answer866. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to engage in public consultation with the education community, clinicians and families before the implementation of her proposed changes to the assessment of need process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72509/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 865 and 866 together.
Under the Disability Act, an Assessment of Need is an assessment process carried out by the HSE where a person is of the opinion that he/she may have a disability, for anyone born on/after 1st June 2002. It first establishes whether the person has a disability (as defined within the Act). It then identifies the health and education needs of the person with a disability and the services required to meet those needs.
On December 9th, Government announced a series of reforms to the Assessment of Need (AON) process which will make the process more effective and efficient for children and families. These reforms include changes to Part 2 of the Disability Act, 2005, which provides for Assessments of Need. The General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill 2025 was approved by Government on 9 December and will be published on the Department’s website shortly.
These changes will not remove any rights for parents to apply for an Assessment of Need for their child, nor will they alter the statutory six-month timeline set out in the Disability Act.
The Department is currently at an early stage of the legislative process. It is expected that the General Scheme will undergo pre-legislative scrutiny by the Oireachtas Committee on Disability Matters early in the New Year. As the Deputy is aware, the Committee may invite stakeholders to participate and produce a report with recommendations to the Bill based on its scrutiny.
In tandem with this, officials in the Department will be conducting stakeholder engagement sessions with a range of groups, the first of which is scheduled to take place this week. This will build on previous engagement by the Department with the Department of Education and Youth, the National Council for Special Education, the HSE and the National Clinical Programme for People with Disability.
It is also important to note that the work on the proposed changes to Part 2 of the Disability Act was informed by inputs from stakeholders during the development of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People and by the review of the Interim Guidance for the HSE Assessment of Need Standard Operating Procedure, undertaken by the National Clinical Programme for People with Disability (NCPPD). The latter was supported by a multistakeholder Task Group who contributed to the evidence base for changes.
Section 8 of the Disability Act, 2005 makes provision for the carrying out of Assessments of Need, including the appointment of assessment officers by the HSE. They are responsible for carrying out assessments of applicants for assessments of need or for arranging for them to be carried out by other persons with appropriate experience. Notwithstanding this, the HSE assessment officers are solely responsible for the production of the assessment report as set out in Section 8(7) of the Act. This will remain unchanged under the proposed reforms to the AON system.
As part of the reforms to the Assessment of Need process, additional supports will be provided for the assessment officers including:
• The development of new statutory guidelines to ensure that Assessments of Need focus on identifying a child’s needs, engaging in more intensive assessments only where required to identify those needs.
• The establishment by the HSE of eleven new teams, initially, to support HSE assessment processes, including Assessments of Need. Each team will include a psychologist, a speech and language therapist, an occupational therapist, and an administrator, providing clinical guidance where required throughout the process.
• A continued focus by the HSE on the training and development of assessment officers.
The Department is also working with the HSE to identify further opportunities to enhance processes and increase administrative supports for HSE assessment officers.
The provision of an effective and efficient Assessment of Need system continues to be a priority for the Government.
867. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the options available to children not yet eligible for ECCE to access assistive technology in cases in which that they are deaf or hard of hearing; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72510/25]
View answerThe Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a programme of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities or additional needs can access the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme. The goal of AIM is to empower early learning and care providers to deliver an inclusive pre-school experience, ensuring that every eligible child can meaningfully participate in the ECCE programme and reap the benefits of quality early learning and care in any mainstream service participating in ECCE.
A core feature and strength of AIM is that it does not require a diagnosis. Instead, resources are allocated based on a child’s individual needs.
AIM was specifically designed to support children with additional needs to access and meaningfully participate in the ECCE programme and as such, AIM is directly linked to ECCE participation and currently applies only to children who meet the ECCE age eligibility criteria.
The Programme for Government commits to ‘examine and expand the Access and Inclusion Model and make it available to younger children.’ This requires a tailored model which meets the different needs of pre-ECCE children, and funding through the annual budget process.
Officials in the Department will be engaging in a comprehensive policy development process during 2026 to extend AIM to children aged under three, which will be underpinned by consultations with key stakeholders. It is critical that the new model will be strongly evidence-based and reflective of the developmental stages of children not yet in ECCE.
It is intended to give consideration at a later date to an extension of AIM for children attending School Aged Childcare.
868. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department maintains a central supplier and payee register for all organisations funded through her Department’s budget; and to outline the mandatory data fields recorded for each supplier. [72517/25]
View answerThe Department's Finance Unit maintain supplier, including payee, records centrally on our Financial Management System (FMS). The following fields are mandatory for each supplier record:
• Supplier Name
• Supplier ID (generated by FMS)
• Address
• Phone Number
• Remittance Email
• Tax Reference Number
• Bank Details (sort code, bank address, account number, account name, IBAN, BIC)
869. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her Department requires all organisations funded by her Department to record the legal type of each supplier or payee, such as limited company, partnership, sole trader or registered charity, as part of their financial-governance obligations. [72518/25]
View answerThe Department does not impose a requirement to record the legal type of each supplier or payee (limited company, partnership, sole trader, etc.) on aegis bodies or funded organisations.
870. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the date on which her Department last reviewed the adequacy of supplier-classification controls and supplier-information standards across organisations funded by her Department; and the findings of that review. [72519/25]
View answerThe Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy on this matter as soon as possible.
871. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if any internal audit, external audit or management letter issued to her Department since 2020 has raised concerns about incomplete supplier information, supplier-type classification or procurement-record quality in organisations funded by her Department; and the actions taken in response. [72520/25]
View answerThe Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy on this matter as soon as possible.
872. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the steps her Department is taking to introduce a standardised supplier-information framework, including supplier legal type, across all bodies funded by her Department’s budget; and the expected timeline for implementation. [72521/25]
View answerThe Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy on this matter as soon as possible.
873. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the safeguards currently in place to verify the age of asylum seekers presenting as unaccompanied minors; the reason almost 200 individuals placed in Tusla children’s accommodation since 2022 were subsequently found to be adults; the risk this poses to vulnerable children in State care; and whether she plans to introduce a more robust age-assessment system to prevent adults being accommodated with minors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72538/25]
View answerThe legal basis for undertaking age assessments for unaccompanied minors claiming international protection is set out under the International Protection Act 2015, and such assessments lie with the Minister for Justice and the International Protection Office.
Section 14 of the International Protection Act 2015 is the main legislative provision underpinning referrals by immigration authorities to Tulsa for unaccompanied minors.
When Tusla receives such a referral, the 2015 Act requires Tusla to apply a presumption of minority for that applicant.
In order to fulfil its statutory responsibility to children in need of care and protection, Tusla has a role in undertaking an intake eligibility assessment for unaccompanied minors to determine if they require services from the separated children’s team.
It is important to recognise that there has been a 500% increase in arrivals of Separated Children Seeking International Protection (SCSIP) entering the State since 2022, with the vast majority of arrivals aged 16 or 17 years of age.
This has impacted greatly on Tusla’s ability to provide accommodation and supports to unaccompanied minors entering Ireland seeking the protection of the State. As part of Budget 2026 Tusla SCSIP services has received an additional €51m for 2026 relating to projected increased costs for SCSIP residential placements, staffing and pay, forecast increase in arrivals and the requirements for supports and services in SCSIP accommodation centres. This brings the total funding received for 2026 to €153m.
In addition, I can advise that the Department is working with Tusla and the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration on the International Protection Bill under the EU Migration PACT as it relates to unaccompanied minors, including work on provisions relating to age assessments. This will ensure that a robust age verification process is operated under the new legislation.
It is envisaged that the Bill shall provide for a robust and clear statutory framework for both the reception and placement of unaccompanied minors and the associated age assessment processes.
874. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality in light of the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021–2028, the key changes made to the regulations as a result of the public consultation earlier in 2025; the supports and guidance that will be made available to childminders during the three-year transition period before registration with Tusla becomes mandatory; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72539/25]
View answerOn 8 February 2024, a 12-week public consultation on draft childminding regulations was launched. This represented a major milestone in the development of childminding in Ireland and the implementation of the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021 – 2028. The draft regulations were published along with a draft guidance document and an easy read summary.
In response to the public consultation, which ended 2 May 2024, a number of key changes were made to the draft regulations which included:
• Discounting a childminder's own children when assessing maximum numbers where they are not under the care of the childminder even if they are present in the home (e.g. if they are under the care of a partner or other family member);
• Reducing the upper age limit of a childminder's own children who are counted when assessing maximum numbers, from end of primary school, to children under 10 years old;
• Removal of the requirement for a childminder to keep records of the attendance of their own children (even if their own children are counted within maximum numbers);
• Lowering the upper age limit in considering the maximum number of very young children, from maximum two children under 2 years old, to maximum two children under 15 months old;
• Simplifying the process for changing emergency cover persons, and clarifying that emergency cover persons can include members of the childminder's household and can also include parents of children attending the childminding service;
• Changes in the language to reflect the home setting in which the service takes place (e.g. changing "premises" to "home", and "registered provider" to "childminder");
• Clarifying that "learning and development" will be understood in the context of the home and family context in which childminders operate;
• Clarifying that a childminder's operating hours can be flexible; and
• Simplification of regulations where possible.
In addition, an independent external review of the draft regulations was carried out by Dr Bill Maxwell, the former CEO of Education Scotland, former Chief Inspector in both Scotland and Wales, and OECD consultant, which confirmed that the approach of the regulations was proportionate for childminding in Ireland.
The full Report on the Draft Childminding Regulations Consultation can be found here: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/report-on-the-draft-childminding-regulations-consultation.pdf
The detailed Response to the Consultation Findings can be found here: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/response-to-the-consultation-findings.pdf
We are now in a 3-year transition period during which childminders are being encouraged and supported to register, but registration is not yet mandatory. This phased approach aims to facilitate the largest possible number of childminders to enter the regulated sector, the sphere of quality assurance, and access to Government subsidies, while recognising the time and supports required for childminders to learn about and prepare for registration.
The Department has committed to undertake a review of the initial implementation of the Childminding-specific Regulations during the transition period. The review will commence in 2026 and will include consultation with childminders and other stakeholders.
During the transition period, supports are available for childminders at local level through the City and County Childcare Committees. Each City and County Childcare Committee employs a Childminding Development Officer, who provides a range of supports to local childminders, including a short pre-registration training course.
The Childminding Development Grant provides up to €1,000 to assist both registered and unregistered childminders who are providing a childminding service in their own homes. In 2025, the Department has paid €413,338 to childminders through the Childminding Development Grant. A further round of the Grant will open in early 2026.
875. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality in light of the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021–2028, the measures in place to ensure parents are aware of the new regulations and the safeguards they provide for children; her plans to monitor and evaluate the impact of the new regulations on childminding services, child safety, and quality assurance during the transition period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72540/25]
View answerChildminders are a hugely important part of early learning and care and school-age childcare provision, and they continue to be the option of choice for many families.
The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 set out a pathway for the extension of regulation to childminders. A key objective of the National Action Plan is to enable parents who use childminders to benefit from State subsidies through the National Childcare Scheme. The Childcare Support Act 2018, which provides the statutory basis for the National Childcare Scheme, specifies that the Scheme is only open to Tusla-registered providers. This ensures that public funding is provided where there is assurance of the quality of provision. Therefore, only childminders who are registered with Tusla can offer the National Childcare Scheme to the families that avail of their services
The childminding-specific Regulations, which came into effect in September 2024, are designed to be proportionate and appropriate to the home and family setting in which childminders work. The regulation of childminding services is critical to the safeguarding of children. The route to registration under the new regulations requires childminders to undertake pre-registration training, as well as meeting certain regulatory requirements including Garda vetting, first aid certification and child safeguarding training.
While childminders are now able to apply to register with Tusla and access the National Childcare Scheme, the Act provides for a statutory transition period of three years ending in September 2027. During this three-year period, childminders can register with Tusla but are not required to do so.
While the Department has successfully completed Phase 1 of the National Action Plan, considerable work lies ahead during Phase 2, in supporting the large number of unregistered childminders to register with Tusla and take part in the National Childcare Scheme before the end of the transition period.
A national communications strategy is a key element of Phase 2. Work on this communications strategy has begun, aiming to inform childminders and parents about the changes, supports available and what to expect.
Work toward the development of a Quality Development Programme, as outlined in the National Action Plan for Childminding, has also commenced.
The Department has committed to undertake a review of the initial implementation of the Childminding-specific Regulations during the transition period. This review will commence in 2026. The review will include consultation with childminders and other stakeholders.
876. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the progress achieved over the past 12 months on each childcare-related commitment in the Programme for Government, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72541/25]
View answerInformation is provided in tabular form.
|
PfG Commitment |
Current Status |
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We will undertake a broad consultation and publish a detailed Action Plan to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible early childhood education and care system with State-led facilities adding capacity. This plan will enhance parental choice through ongoing support for public, private and community provision, as well as childminders. |
The Action Plan will be published in two phases, with Phase 1 actions to be undertaken in 2026, and Phase 2 to be published later in 2026 following a broad consultation process. The Phase 1 report will be published on 17 December 2025. |
|
Resource and transform the Supply Management Unit into a Forward Planning and Delivery Unit within the Department to identify areas of need, forecast demand and deliver public supply within the childcare sector where required. |
Unit is now FPDU. Additional staff allocated over the course of 2025 and other vacancies sanctioned. Forward Planning model well advanced. Extensive preparatory work for public supply undertaken. |
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We will continue to grow State involvement and investment in the sector, while working in partnership with private providers, recognising this is an important element of supply. |
The number of hours funded through the NCS continues to grow significantly. Budget 2025 funded an additional 14 million hours through the NCS, whereas Budget 2026 will fund an additional 50 million hours.
A suite of measures under Budget 2026 will support increased numbers of services contracting with Core Funding. This will include an additional €15m which is ring-fenced to support providers to meet the cost of increases in staff minimum wage rates through a possible 2026 round of JLC negotiations for new employment regulation orders. This will support the quality of provision, in particular through reducing staff turnover. |
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Progressively reduce the cost of childcare to €200 per month per child through the National Childcare Scheme and explore options to cap costs for larger families. |
While initial steps have already been taken (eg fee caps in September 2025), the Action Plan will be published in two phases, with Phase 1 actions to be undertaken in 2026, and Phase 2 to be published later in 2026 following a broad consultation process. |
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Ensure childcare providers’ fees are open, transparent and equitable and readily available to parents. |
In July 2025, the Department commenced a Core Funding Fee Table Approval process, wherein CCCs reviewed the 2025/2026 fee tables of services that applied to the Fee Increase Assessment process in programme year 2024/2025.
Accompanied by new fee table rules in programme year 2025/2026 and a fee table guideline document, this exercise promotes compliance with and understanding of scheme rules among Partner Services, as well as transparency for parents through simplification and standardisation of fee table data. |
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Review and increase core funding, ensuring the fee cap is maintained and that the model is open, transparent and equitable, and that early years educators in the private sector benefit from Employment Regulation Orders. |
For programme year 2025/2026, the fee cap values have been lowered and will now apply to all Core Funding Partner Services, having been introduced for new Partner Services for the 2024/25 programme year.
An evaluation of the first year of Core Funding and the development of an evaluation framework for Core Funding is currently underway. This project will examine the early implementation of Core Funding and make recommendations for future evaluations of the grant supporting efficient and expedient reviews of subsequent years of the scheme.
Outcomes from the independent Early Years Joint Labour Committee (JLC) process, including new Employment Regulation Orders (EROs), are supported by the Government through Core Funding. Budget 2025 secured an additional €45 million for programme year 2025/26, ringfenced specifically to support employers to meet the costs of further increases to the minimum rates of pay in the sector, contingent on the establishment of updated EROs by the JLC. |
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Reduce the administrative burden on providers. |
Indecon Economic Consultants have completed a review of the end-to-end processes linked to publicly funded early learning and childcare schemes/programmes. A report of the findings of this review has been produced, and was presented to the Advisory Group in August. Indecon has also compiled input from over 400 parents, providers, representative bodies and other key sectoral stakeholders who participated in a national consultation process.
Simplify and Support – the Action plan for simplification will be launched on the 17 December along with the Indecon Reports. |
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Provide capital investment to build or purchase state-owned childcare facilities, to create additional capacity in areas where unmet need exists. |
NDP allocation secured for 2026-30. Strategic Assessment and Preliminary Business Case drafted. |
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Plan the development of State-led facilities in tandem with the school building programme, including Irish-medium naíonraí. |
Currently 22.5% ELC and SAC services delivered on school sites. Initial conversation with DEY about potential for collaborative approaches to development of new schools. |
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Work with schools to host before and after-school care, and examine start-up supports for groups involved in afterschool activities. |
22.5% ELC and SAC delivered on school sites. School Age Childcare. Registrations grew 56% from 2022 to 2024. 261 new school age childcare services have were added to the Tusla register in 2024, leading to a net increase of 225 new school-age childcare services in one year alone. |
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Review the 2001 Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning Authorities to ensure childcare spaces are provided and put into use. |
Working group in place with DHLGH, DEY and nominees from CCMA. Initial feedback sought and more wide ranging engagement planned. |
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Continue to implement Employment Regulation Orders to attract and retain early years educators. |
Through the Joint Labour Committee process, Employment Regulation Orders have been signed into law in September 2022, June 2024 and most recently in October 2025. The October 2025 Employment Regulation Orders provide for an average of 10% increase to minimum hourly rates of pay. It is estimated that 67% of those working in the sector saw their wages increase as a result of the new minimum pay rates. The Government remains committed to ‘continue to implement Employment Regulation Orders to attract and retain early years educators’ and to making available a similar sum in 2026 to support a further future round of pay improvements negotiations through the JLC process. |
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Remove barriers in education and training for early years educators to broaden access to the profession. |
To raise the profile of careers within the sector and further support the objective of developing a graduate-led workforce, the new Nurturing Skills Learner Fund was launched in December 2023. The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund covers up to 90% of the fees incurred by early years educators studying for Early Learning and Care qualifications at Level 7 and Level 8 that have been approved by the Qualifications Advisory Board, while continuing to work in the Early Learning and Care sector. To date, the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund has been in a position to offer financial support over 700 educators in the Early Learning and Childcare sector. |
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Introduce an ‘Earn and Learn’ apprenticeship model enabling childcare staff to gain qualifications and advance their careers. |
Pillar 4 of Nurturing Skills includes an action to examine the development of a range of entry routes into the sector, including apprenticeships or other work-based learning, and access programmes in further education and higher education. Research on alternative entry routes to the sector, including apprenticeships, has been commissioned and a final report has been received. This will inform the next steps in the delivery of this action. The establishment of a national apprenticeship is not solely a matter for the Department as the process, set out by the National Apprentice Office (NAO), requires the development of an apprenticeship to be carried out by the sector itself. The Department are aware of, and are participating in, conversations between the sector and the National Apprenticeship office. |
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Examine the establishment of a professional register for childminders and early years educators, reflecting professionalisation of the sector. |
First 5 commits to move incrementally towards the regulation of the Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare profession, building on the establishment in 2020 of the Qualifications Advisory Board and the future creation of a workforce register. Nurturing Skills restates this commitment to move incrementally towards the regulation of the profession during the lifetime of Nurturing Skills. |
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Deepen co-operation and shared learnings between early years education and the Department of Education Inspectorate. |
Engagement between DCDE and the D/EY Inspectorate is regular and ongoing. |
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Examine and expand the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) and make it available to younger children. |
An independent evaluation of AIM was published in January 2024. Based on the evaluation’s findings, AIM is now being extended on a phased basis as funding becomes available. Since September 2024, targeted AIM supports are available to ECCE-eligible children outside of ECCE hours—both during term time and in holiday periods. The Department is assessing the policy implications and mechanisms required to extend AIM to children under three, recognising that their needs differ from those currently supported under the model. A tailored model will be designed to support this younger age group, which will require dedicated funding through the annual Budget process. |
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Continue to build up the Equal Start programme, ensuring children experiencing disadvantage can access and participate fully in early learning and childcare. |
804 settings with an Equal Start priority designation, (serving 35,000 children - 4,700 from priority cohorts) identified as operating in a context of concentrated disadvantage, are in receipt of additional funding supports. These settings have been receiving funding for additional staff hours, that can be used to support engagement between the settings and families, as well as other child and family support services.
Other achievements to date include: - Rollout of the ‘Bia Blasta’ pre-school nutrition programme, which commenced on 1 October 2025 for Equal Start designated services providing the ECCE Programme. - Rollout of the Traveller Parenting Support Programme in 17 Tusla areas, with responsibilities on Family Link Workers to engage with Traveller parents of young children, supporting them to attend and participate in ELC and SAC - Appointment of Traveller and Roma Advisory Specialists to work in Better Start to promote inclusive ELC and SAC - Roll-out of Early Talk Boost – an intervention for language delay - to settings with a priority designation |
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Explore making available an extra hour of ECCE each day in the second year of preschool. |
Policy analysis is underway to consider the implications of this change for children, parents and providers. It is being considered in the context of the results of the 2024 ECCE review and the wider Departmental commitment to reducing childcare fees. |
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Evaluate options to amend the ECCE eligibility criteria. |
Policy analysis is underway to consider the implications of this change for children, parents and providers. It is being considered in the context of the results of the 2024 ECCE review and the wider Departmental commitment to reducing childcare fees. |
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Extend the National Childcare Scheme to childminders working in the family home, with sensible regulations that fit homebased care. |
The National Childcare Scheme has already opened to childminders working in the childminder's home. Childminders now have a 3-year transition period (to September 2027) during which they can register with Tusla but are not yet required to do so. |
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Support childminders through the Tusla registration process and expand access to local training opportunities. |
DCDE is funding a Childminding Development Officer in every City and County Childcare Committee to provide local-level support to childminders. Childminding Development Officers deliver Pre-Registration Training to childminders at local level. |
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Continue to provide grants that help childminders improve safety and quality through essential toys, equipment, and technology. |
In 2025, the Department has paid €413,338 to childminders through the Childminding Development Grant. A further round of the grant will open in 2026. |
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Expand the provision of after-school and childcare in school buildings and campuses, in tandem with the school building programme, to provide better access for parents and communities |
22.5% ELC and SAC delivered on school sites. School Age Childcare Registrations grew 56% from 2022 to 2024.
261 new school age childcare services have were added to the Tusla register in 2024, leading to a net increase of 225 new school-age childcare services in one year alone |
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Expand the provision for newborns and their parents of a Baby Bundle, comprising essential items to support them from day one |
The evaluation of the pilot is complete and available. An updated bundle has been prepared taking into consideration feedback from the pilot. |
877. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality his plans to further strengthen AIM in the 2025-2026 programme year to ensure children with disabilities can fully participate in pre-school education; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72542/25]
View answerThe Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) was introduced in 2016 to ensure that children with a disability can access and participate in the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme.
AIM provides both universal supports to pre-school settings and targeted supports tailored to individual children’s needs, without requiring a formal diagnosis.
Reflecting the Government’s strong commitment to affordable and accessible childcare, the AIM budget will reach €84.05 million in 2026 — an increase of 46% since 2024. This funding will support up to 9,000 children to access the ECCE programme in 2026 through targeted AIM supports, as well as a 10% increase in the capitation rate for AIM Level 7, which was introduced from October 2025.
The ‘First 5’ whole-of-government strategy commits to the phased extension of AIM, a commitment that was reaffirmed by the findings of an independent end-of-year-three evaluation conducted by the University of Derby and published in January 2024. Participants in the evaluation, including providers, educators, and parents, strongly supported the scaling up of AIM. They also expressed a desire to see AIM extended to hours outside of the ECCE entitlement.
Based on the evaluation’s findings, AIM is now being extended on a phased basis as funding becomes available. Since September 2024, targeted AIM supports have been available to ECCE-eligible children outside of ECCE hours—both during term time and in holiday periods. Children can now access up to three additional hours per day during the ECCE term and up to six hours per day outside of term, through the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).
The Programme for Government commits to ‘examine and expand the Access and Inclusion Model and make it available to younger children.’ Work is now underway on a tailored model to extend AIM to children under three years of age, ensuring it meets the specific needs of this younger cohort. Consideration will also be given, at a later stage, to extending AIM to children attending school-age childcare. It is critical that any extension of AIM supports to these different age cohorts is evidence-based and reflective of their needs
878. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the rationale for the recent amendments to the concluding years of certain mother and baby and county home institutions under the payment scheme; the number of applicants who have been affected by these changes; the steps being taken to update the information booklet and application form to reflect the revised eligibility rules; and whether further institutions or concluding years are under review to ensure that no survivor is unfairly excluded from the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72543/25]
View answerEach of the institutions covered by the Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme has a concluding year. The concluding year represents the last year where it is understood, based on the information available, that the institution was operating as a mother and baby institution. Applications to the scheme are eligible if the person entered the institution they applied for on or before 31st December of the concluding year.
The legislation for the Payment Scheme provides that a concluding year can be amended to a later year where information comes to light that indicates that the concluding year initially set is not accurate.
In September 2024, the concluding year for 4 scheduled institutions was amended by my predecessor. A further comprehensive review of concluding years was undertaken this year on foot of additional information and further institutional records becoming available since the Payment Scheme opened. Following this review, I amended the concluding year for 13 scheduled institutions in October 2025.
The Payment Scheme Office has completed an analysis to identify any applicants who have previously applied to the Scheme who are impacted by the concluding year changes.
In total 11 applicants were identified and all are in the process of being contacted. In approximately half of the cases identified, the applicant will be eligible for an offer from the Payment Scheme arising from the additional time found in the scheduled institution where the concluding year has been amended. These applicants are being prioritised by the Payment Scheme Office and are being contacted first.
For the remaining applicants, a period of residence before the amended concluding year has been identified, however, it will not result in amended eligibility or an amended offer under the Payment Scheme.
The Payment Scheme website, application form and information booklet are currently being amended to reflect the changes to concluding years. The Payment Scheme portal has been updated for applicants who wish to apply online. Information on the concluding year changes was included in the last quarterly newsletter to survivors which issued from the Department on 5th December and is also available on the website at www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/state-apology-and-action-plan/#quarterly-updates
We will continue to publicise these changes with a view to encouraging anyone who is impacted and who may not have made an application to the Payment Scheme previously to come forward.
879. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of social workers currently working within the Tusla 'children-in-care' team in County Laois; the number of children placed with each of those social workers; the total number of social workers who have been employed in the Tusla children-in-care team in County Laois since 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72544/25]
View answerAs this question relates to operational information held by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, the question has been referred to the Agency to reply directly to the Deputy.
880. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of high support disability residential placements available in County Laois in 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72545/25]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for raising this question. As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
881. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of social workers employed in Tusla services in County Laois; the number of vacancies for social workers; the length of time those positions have been vacant, the number of children with no allocated social worker; the number of children in need of either foster or residential care who are not currently placed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72546/25]
View answerAs this question relates to operational information held by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, the question has been referred to the Agency to reply directly to the Deputy.
