Emer Currie
Question:67. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on engagement with providers in relation to concerns around core funding. [73263/25]
View answerThursday, 18 December 2025
Questions (67)
Written answers
I am committed to maintaining and strengthening relations with the early learning and childcare sector.
Core Funding represents a new approach to funding the ELC & SAC sector and entails a cultural shift in the relationship between the State and providers that reflects the public good dimension of ELC and SAC.
I have established an Early Learning and Childcare Provider Consultative Forum, to build on the Department’s strong commitment to, and track record in, engaging with stakeholders in the sector through the Department’s advisory, oversight, consultation and research processes.
The Forum discusses policy and operational issues relating to the provision of early learning and childcare services and has the following objectives:
• To share information from the Early Learning and Childcare Division of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and other relevant Departments and Agencies, including specific initiatives under consideration/development on supporting quality, accessible and affordable early learning and childcare as they relate to providers.
• To provide members with an opportunity to feedback this information to their own members, where relevant.
• To provide members with an opportunity to share information updates to the Forum.
• To provide an opportunity to seek the views of members on relevant policies and programme issues.
The Forum will invite the views, concerns and suggestions from providers, as appropriate.
This Forum has met twice to date, on 17 September and 5 November. The agenda for the meeting of 5 November covered a range of issues, including Core Funding, Garda Vetting, and Pension Auto-Enrolment.
The Term of Reference for the Forum are published on the Department’s website along with membership details. Minutes of meetings are uploaded once they are agreed.
Furthermore, both the local City and County Childcare Committees and Pobal the Scheme Administrator are available to assist service providers facing operational concerns with Core Funding.
The Department will continue to engage with the sector, and continue to develop the scheme so that it can continue to see the high uptake levels it has seen this year, and indeed since it was launched in 2022.