Written Answers Nos. 930-950
931. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the total number of assessment of need applications which were received in County Galway for the years 2020 to 2025 and to date in 2026; the number of these applications in County Galway which were overdue for completion at the end of each of those years including the latest data in 2026, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29794/26]
View answerThe delivery of an effective, efficient Assessment of Need system is a priority for the Government. There has been intensive work by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the HSE to address delays in the provision of Assessments of Need.
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 after 1 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.
It is important to note that children do not require an Assessment of Need to access health services, including HSE Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams or Mental Health Services.
However, demand for Assessments of Need has increased significantly in recent years, reflecting both the increase in population and the number of families exploring all options to access services for their child. Unfortunately, this demand is outpacing the capacity of the system to respond with the result that there were 20,209 applications overdue for completion nationwide at the end of 2025, according to the most recently available HSE data.
More positively, there has been continued improvement in the number of completed assessment of need reports with 5,939 reports completed in 2025. This is a 43% increase nationally compared to the number completed in 2024.
The HSE does not provide data on a county basis, however data is provided at Local Health Office (LHO) level. In Galway LHO, the following are the number of applications received and those on hand at year end that were overdue for the years 2020 - 2025, which is the most recently available data provided by the HSE:
|
Galway LHO |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
|
Number of applications received by end of year |
42 |
79 |
102 |
154 |
113 |
447 |
|
Applications on hand overdue for completion by end of year |
26 |
19 |
47 |
103 |
179 |
488 |
In December 2025, Government announced a series of improvements to the Assessment of Need process which will make the process more effective and efficient for children and families. Over time, this should lead to a reduction in the waiting time to receive an assessment. This reform includes legislative reform and operational improvements to support the efficiency and effectiveness of the Assessment of Need process.
The proposed legislative changes will not remove any rights for parents to apply for an Assessment of Need for their child. They also will not alter the statutory six-month timeline set out in the Disability Act.
The General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill has been published on the Department’s website. An FAQ document ( https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/from-subject-received-size-categories-aoife-carragher-dcde-fw-dcde-website-aon-1532-1-mb/) has also been published, providing information on Assessment of Need and the proposed changes for parents and any other interested stakeholders.
It is important to recognise that legislation is only a part of the response. The Department is working with the HSE to identify further opportunities to enhance processes, improve training, and increase administrative supports for HSE Assessment Officers who are responsible for the production of assessment reports. This includes the establishment of working groups to address learning and development needs and to develop statutory guidelines.
The HSE is also implementing actions to address the wider issue of access to services and supports for children with disabilities including:
- Introduction of a Single Point of Access system by the HSE in 2026. This should make it easier for families to be referred to the right service, whether that is primary care, CDNT or mental health services. It aims to streamline referrals and reduce duplication, so children do not end up on multiple waiting lists.
- Implementation of the Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways Protocol by the HSE in early 2026. The Protocol will provide a standardised assessment process across primary care, mental health and disability services. It will be the preferred assessment route for autism.
- The creation of eleven new HSE teams, initially, to support assessment processes, including AON, providing clinical guidance and administrative supports.
The provision of an effective and efficient Assessment of Need system continues to be a priority for the Government.
932. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on her Department's plan to reform the assessment of need process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29795/26]
View answerIn December 2025 Government announced a series of improvements to the Assessment of Need process which will make the process more effective and efficient for children and families. This reform includes legislative reform and operational improvements to support the efficiency and effectiveness of the Assessment of Need process.
The proposed legislative changes will not remove any rights for parents to apply for an Assessment of Need for their child. They also will not alter the statutory six-month timeline set out in the Disability Act.
The General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill has been published on the Department’s website, along with an FAQ document (https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/from-subject-received-size-categories-aoife-carragher-dcde-fw-dcde-website-aon-1532-1-mb/) which provides information on Assessment of Need and the proposed changes for parents and any other interested stakeholders.
The Joint Committee on Disability Matters has published its report, following pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill, and the Department is considering its recommendations. Officials continue to work with the OPC on drafting the Bill.
It is important to recognise that legislation is only a part of the response. The Department is working with the HSE to identify further opportunities to enhance processes, improve training, and increase administrative supports for HSE Assessment Officers who are responsible for the production of assessment reports. This includes the establishment of working groups to address learning and development needs and to develop statutory guidelines.
The HSE is also implementing actions to address the wider issue of access to services and supports for children with disabilities including:
- Introduction of a Single Point of Access system by the HSE, which will make it easier for families to be referred to the right service, whether that is primary care, CDNT or mental health services. It aims to streamline referrals and reduce duplication, so children do not end up on multiple waiting lists.
- Implementation of the Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways Protocol by the HSE. The Protocol will provide a standardised assessment process across primary care, mental health and disability services. It will be the preferred assessment route for autism.
- The creation of eleven new HSE teams, initially, to support assessment processes, including AON, providing clinical guidance and administrative supports.
Over time, these changes should lead to a noticeable reduction in the waiting times for children and their families across the country. The provision of an effective and efficient Assessment of Need system continues to be a priority for the Government.
933. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the geographical criteria used in determining placement for respite care for adults with intellectual disability; if a home address in a specific county automatically disqualifies an individual from accessing respite care in another county; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29865/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
934. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason a person (details supplied) has been unable to apply for residence in St. Christophers Longford residential service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29867/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
935. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to review the case of a person (details supplied). [29869/26]
View answerThe Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015, which commenced in 2023, marked a landmark reform of Ireland’s capacity laws, bringing the state into much closer alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.When the Act commenced in April 2023, it abolished the wards of court framework for adults by repealing the Lunacy Regulation (Ireland) Act 1871 and replacing it with a rights-based model of tiered decision support arrangements. It represents an important shift away from a ‘best interests’ approach to a rights-based approach, privileging a person’s will, preferences and autonomy. The 2015 Act also established the Decision Support Service which has statutory responsibility for processing, reviewing, registering and overseeing decision support arrangements.
In line with the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Act 2026, all adult wards of court will be discharged from wardship no later than 25th October 2027. As part of the discharge proceedings, a functional capacity assessment will be carried out to determine the ward of court’s decision-making capacity and the most appropriate level of decision-support arrangement required, if indeed any. Decision support arrangements include decision-making assistance agreements, co-decision-making agreements and decision-making representation orders.
The Department does not comment on individual cases. As this is an operational matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE), the HSE has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
936. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29965/26]
View answerThe regulation of early years services is dealt with in Part VIIA of the Child Care Act 1991. Section 58A, defines:
- A 'pre-school child' as a child who has not attained the age of six years and who is not attending a recognised school.
- A 'school-age child' as a child under the age of 15, attending a school-age service and enrolled in a school providing primary or post primary education.
A 'school age service' is defined as one which:
- caters for children under the age of 15 years enrolled in a school providing primary or post-primary education,
- provides a range of activities that are developmental, educational and recreational in manner, which take place outside of school hours, the primary purpose of which is to care for children where their parents are unavailable, and
- the basis for access to which is made publicly known to the parents and guardians of the children referred to.
The definition of a school age service also excludes a number of services including those solely providing activities relating to the arts, youth work, competitive or recreational sport, tuition or religious teaching.
As a result of this definition in the primary legislation, in order to attend a school-age childcare service a child must be under the age of 15 and enrolled in a school providing primary or post-primary education. There has been no change to this definition since amendments were introduced through the Childcare Support Act 2018.
Pre-school services operate under different regulations from those that apply to school-age services. The different regulations that govern services for pre-school children safeguard appropriate care ratios and ensure that staffing levels meet the developmental needs of children in the particular service type.
Tusla, which is the independent statutory regulator of the sector, issued a Regulatory Notice in February 2025 (EYI Regulatory Notice 01/2025) which clarified that school-age services may accommodate a 'settling-in' period prior to school commencement. This period is limited to two weeks (10 working days) before the start of school. Tusla have indicated this was done to safeguard appropriate care ratios and ensure that staffing levels meet the developmental needs of children in pre-school settings. It also prevents unregistered pre-school services from inappropriately operating as school-age services.
The 10 working days are not required to be taken immediately prior to the child enrolling in school and can be taken during the summer months in advance of the child commencing school to help children settle into their new surroundings.
The Department has commenced the process of drafting revised regulations for school-age childcare services, building on the initial 2018 registration regulations. As part of this process, the Department is also reviewing the legislation underpinning the regulation of school-age childcare. A public consultation was held in November 2025 on the regulation of school-age services. The findings from the consultation will inform the drafting of revised regulations.
937. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures her Department is taking to provide additional respite capacity in County Galway, in view of the increasing waiting lists for these services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30044/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
938. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of respite hours provided to families in County Galway in the past year; the planned level of capacity for 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30045/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
939. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if a grant is available to young adult service users who are no longer in school (details supplied). [30166/26]
View answerThe Specialist Disability Budget supports a range of services funded through the HSE and delivered by Section 38 and Section 39 organisations, as well as the HSE. This includes, among other services and supports, Day Services and Rehabilitative Training for people with specialist disability service requirements.
The provision of transport is not part of core services funded by the HSE. As a general rule, public transport is used in all circumstances where it is an option. This is in keeping with the principle of mainstreaming, with a clear focus on ensuring persons with a disability have access to the normal range of services and participate in community life as far as possible. In general, day service users are in receipt of disability allowance and are automatically entitled to the Free Travel Pass.
Under Pillar 5 of the Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, the Department of Transport has lead responsibility for reducing and, where possible, eliminating transport barriers faced by disabled people. Under Pillar 5, there is a commitment to personal mobility, and supporting those who cannot use or easily access any public transport through the provision of enhanced personal mobility options.
It is recognised that viable public transport options are not always available throughout the country and that transport support needs vary between individuals. In the absence of transport options being made available by the National Transport Authority (NTA), some transport supports are provided by the HSE or funded agencies on a case-by-case basis, and a variety of transport solutions are pursued in different Health Regions. These include travel training to enable public transport to be used, where appropriate, local transport such as Local Link, private bus transport and some service providers provide transport where capacity exists.
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
940. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide details on all open EU infringement proceedings where the subject of the infringement relates to the functions of her Department; the reason the infringement proceedings were initiated; the procedural stage of the infringement proceedings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30261/26]
View answerThe European Commission has currently three open infringement proceedings relating to functions of the Department. Two of these proceedings are active, with one proceeding now complete and awaiting formal closure. Department officials continue to engage extensively with the European Commission in respect of all three cases.
The two active cases are:
- Reference 2014/4131 - The implementation of Directive 2003/88 concerning the organisation of working time.
- Reference 2025/0060 - The transposition of Directive (EU) 2022/2381 on improving the gender balance among directors of listed companies.
With regard to the infringement case reference 2014/4131 related to working time, the Directive was transposed into Irish law through the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. The infringement proceedings were initiated by the Commission in 2014 on foot of complaint related to Ireland's compliance with the Act in social care settings. The procedural stage of this infringement is at is the ‘Letter of Formal Notice’.
A dedicated working group has been established within the HSE and is progressing measures to improve compliance with the Directive. Regular updates on this work have been provided to the Commission.
With regard to the infringement case reference 2025/0060 related to gender balance among directors of listed companies, the transposition of the Directive was completed in May 2025. The infringement proceedings were initiated by the Commission due to the late transposition of the Directive within the required timeframe (December 2024). The procedural stage of this infringement is at is the ‘Letter of Formal Notice’.
Department officials notified the European Commission of our delay in advance of the transposition deadline. With the Directive now transposed, Ireland has submitted our first State report on the implementation of the Directive to the Commission in January 2026.
The final open infringement proceedings is reference 2022/0370, relating to the transposition of Directive 2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents and carers and repealing Council Directive 2010/18. The transposition of the Directive was completed on 6 March 2024. The infringement proceedings were initiated by the Commission due to the incomplete transposition of the Directive within the required timeframe (August 2022). The procedural stages of this infringement are now complete, with the European Court of Justice instructing Ireland to pay a fine of €1,540,000 in 2025. We are awaiting formal communication from the Commission that this infringement is now closed.
In these cases, officials in the Department maintain active contact with the European Commission to address concerns that have been raised and to communicate the proactive efforts the Department is making to progress issues of transposition and implementation.
941. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to expedite an application for a club (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30326/26]
View answerAs the subject matter of the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter for Tusla, I have referred the matter to them for a direct reply.
942. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide a list of respite facilities currently accessible to adults with special and additional needs in the County Galway area; if there are plans to expand the availability of such services; and if she will ensure that appropriate transport provision is in place to support individuals in accessing respite care within their communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30364/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
943. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will provide a list of respite facilities currently accessible to children with special and additional needs in the County Galway area; if there are plans to expand the availability of such services; and if she will ensure that appropriate transport provision is in place to support individuals in accessing respite care within their communities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30365/26]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
944. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 1040 of 17 February 2026, when a reply will be issued by Tusla; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30371/26]
View answerI acknowledge your request for an update regarding your Parliamentary Question No. 1040 of 17 February. This question was referred to Tusla in February, for a direct response to you. My officials have followed up with Tusla to ask that a direct response is issued to you as soon as possible, and will liaise with Tusla colleagues to ensure this is provided.
945. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children on Children's Disability Network Team waiting lists in Cork, by team and length of time waiting, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30453/26]
View answerAs this question refers to the service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
946. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children waiting for assessment of need in Cork; the number that have been waiting, by month; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30454/26]
View answer949. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on waiting times for assessments of need in Cork; the measures being taken to reduce these waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30457/26]
View answer982. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her attention has been drawn to the fact that there is currently a 36-month waiting list for assessment of need in Cork; the specific measures being taken to reduce this waiting list; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30905/26]
View answer983. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the assessment of need waiting lists in Cork; the current number of children awaiting assessment; the average waiting times; the steps being taken to reduce waiting times; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30906/26]
View answer984. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children in Cork that received an assessment of need within the statutory timeframe in the years 2024 to date; the number that did not; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30907/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 946, 949 and 982 to 984, inclusive, together.
The delivery of an effective, efficient Assessment of Need system is a priority for the Government. There has been intensive work by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the HSE to address delays in the provision of Assessments of Need.
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 after 1 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.
It is important to note that children do not require an Assessment of Need to access health services, including Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams or Mental Health Services.
However, demand for Assessments of Need has increased significantly in recent years, reflecting both the increase in population and the number of families exploring all options to access services for their child. The impact of this increased demand has contributed to there being over 20,200 applications overdue for completion nationwide at the end of 2025 according to the most recently available HSE data.
While the average duration of the assessment process per report completed in Q4 2025 was reported by the HSE as 26.14 months nationally, we do not receive this data by county or region. The HSE does not provide data on the average wait time per assessment, which varies between regions and is dependent on the needs and case of each individual child.
The HSE does not provide data on a county basis, but by Regional Health Area (RHA) and Local Health Office (LHO). The following is the most recent data for the Local Health Offices in Cork for reports that are overdue for completion as of Q4 2025:
- 1,751 applications in total
- 175 of these were overdue for less a month
- 290 were overdue for between 1 and 3 month and
- The remainder, 1,286, were overdue for over 3 months.
This number reflects the high number of applications for an Assessment of Need in these LHOs, with 2,056 applications received in 2025 and 1,568 in 2024.
More positively, there has been continued improvement in the number of completed assessment of need reports with 5,939 reports completed nationally in 2025. This is a 43% increase nationally compared to the number completed in 2024. This improvement is reflected in the Cork regions although not to the same extent.
In December 2025 Government announced a series of improvements to the Assessment of Need process which will make the process more effective and efficient for children and families. Over time, this should lead to a reduction in the waiting time to receive an assessment. This reform includes legislative reform and operational improvements to support the efficiency and effectiveness of the Assessment of Need process.
The proposed legislative changes will not remove any rights for parents to apply for an Assessment of Need for their child. They also will not alter the statutory six-month timeline set out in the Disability Act.
The General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill has been published on the Department’s website. An FAQ document (https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/from-subject-received-size-categories-aoife-carragher-dcde-fw-dcde-website-aon-1532-1-mb/) has also been published, providing information on Assessment of Need and the proposed changes for parents and any other interested stakeholders.
It is important to recognise that legislation is only a part of the response. The Department is working with the HSE to identify further opportunities to enhance processes, improve training, and increase administrative supports for HSE Assessment Officers who are responsible for the production of assessment reports. This includes the establishment of working groups to address learning and development needs and to develop statutory guidelines.
The HSE is also implementing actions to address the wider issue of access to services and supports for children with disabilities including:
- Introduction of a Single Point of Access system by the HSE in 2026. This should make it easier for families to be referred to the right service, whether that is primary care, CDNT or mental health services. It aims to streamline referrals and reduce duplication, so children do not end up on multiple waiting lists.
- Implementation of the Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways Protocol by the HSE in early 2026. The Protocol will provide a standardised assessment process across primary care, mental health and disability services. It will be the preferred assessment route for autism.
- The creation of eleven new HSE teams, initially, to support assessment processes, including AON, providing clinical guidance and administrative supports.
The provision of an effective and efficient Assessment of Need system continues to be a priority for the Government.
947. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the total number of children currently awaiting assessment and intervention by Children's Disability Network Teams; the average waiting time for such assessments; whether current staffing levels are adequate to meet existing demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30455/26]
View answerAs this question refers to the service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
948. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the average waiting time from referral to first assessment, and from assessment to intervention, within Children's Disability Network Teams, both nationally and by Community Healthcare Organisation area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30456/26]
View answerAs this question refers to the service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
950. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the actual full year cost incurred in 2025 arising from the increase in the universal hourly subsidy under the national childcare scheme from €1.40 to €2.14; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30458/26]
View answer952. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the estimated full year cost, based on current numbers, of increasing the universal hourly subsidy under the national childcare scheme by €1, bringing it to €3.14 per hour for a maximum of 45 hours per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30460/26]
View answer953. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the estimated full year cost, based on current numbers, of increasing the universal hourly subsidy under the national childcare scheme by €2, bringing it to €4.14 per hour for a maximum of 45 hours per week; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30461/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 950, 952 and 953 together.
The Deputy has requested the actual full year cost incurred in 2025 arising from the increase in the universal hourly subsidy under the national childcare scheme from €1.40 to €2.14. The Deputy has also requested the estimated full year cost of increasing the universal hourly subsidy available under the National Childcare Scheme by €1 to €3.14 per hour, and by €2 to €4.14 per hour, for a maximum of 45 hours.
NSC Full Year Cost for 2025
The value of NCS claims in 2025 was €527,682,404. Please note that this year end figure is not yet finalised and is subject to change.
Currently, all families with children attending a registered childcare provider or childminder can avail of €2.14 per child per hour towards their costs under the universal subsidy for a maximum of 45 hours per week. This subsidy can contribute up to €96.30 per week for families availing of 45 hours of childcare per week. The most recent increase of the universal subsidy was implemented in September 2024, when the rate increased 53% from €1.40 to €2.14.
The number of children using the Scheme has grown by over 70% since 2022 due to enhancements further improving the affordability of childcare for parents. These include the extension of the upper age eligibility for the Universal award from 3 years of age to 15 years of age in August 2022. This growth was further supported by Core Funding, which aims to ensure affordability for parents through fee management conditions and ensuring that providers offer NCS and ECCE to all eligible children.
All of these changes have contributed to significant growth within the Scheme. For this reason, it is not possible to isolate the total cost incurred by a single change, such as increasing the subsidy from €1.40 to €2.14 an hour.
Estimated Full Year Cost of Increasing NCS Universal Subsidy.
The ESRI SWITCH model has been used to estimate the impact of increasing the universal subsidy by €1 and applied to the Department's baseline NCS cost for 2026. The annual cost of the proposed change was estimated at €210.24 million.
The same process using the ESRI SWITCH model has also been used to estimate the impact of increasing the universal subsidy by €2 and applied to the Department's baseline NCS cost for 2026. The cost of the proposed change was estimated at €436.88 million.
It is important to note that this costing is made on the basis of a static system. This means that the model assumes that the current uptake of eligible childcare does not increase or decrease. In addition to annual growth in NCS demand over time, the changes to subsidies presented above would create changes in the behaviours of families. For example, it may influence parents’ decisions to return to or increase their labour force participation, meaning some families may use formal Early Learning and Care for the first time.
