Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 February 2026
958. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to outline the funding supports made available by her Department for the establishment and continuation of parent and baby/toddler groups; the measures her Department is currently taking to assist such groups; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10338/26]
View answerThe Department provides funding annually for new and existing parent and toddler groups nationwide.
I secured €350,000 in Budget 2026 to fund Parent and Toddler grants and the Department sets the criteria/conditions for the grants annually.
The Department funded nationwide network of 30 City/County Childcare Committees (CCC) is responsible for the implementation of the grants at city and county level. Each CCC promotes the scheme, appraises applications and distributes funding in their area.
The application window for 2026 grant applications closes on 20 February 2026. New or existing groups seeking funding in 2026 should contact their local CCC without delay as late applications are not accepted.
