Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 May 2026
1046. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality in relation to the 7% of childcare providers that are not part of the core funding model, if they are categorised as being predominantly in urban or rural areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40131/26]
View answer1047. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality in relation to the 7% of childcare providers that are not part of the core funding model, the number of those providers that had previously been part of the scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [40132/26]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1046 and 1047 together.
Please see below information on childcare providers that are not part of the Core Funding Model in tabular form.
The number of services currently participating in Core Funding is 4,639. This is the highest number of Partner Services in Core Funding at any point since the scheme was launched in 2022.
According to Pobal data provided to the Department, there are 343* childcare providers that hold at least one Contract with the Department but are not participating in the Core Funding Scheme.
*Please note, to be eligible for Core Funding, Services require an active contract under ECCE and/or the NCS. Childminders are ineligible for Core Funding without an agreed exception from the DCDE.
Information on the services not participating in Core Funding is included below:
i) the number and percentage that are community/private:
|
Organisation type |
Services |
% |
|
Community |
8 |
2.33% |
|
Private |
335 |
97.67% |
|
Grand Total |
343 |
100.00% |
ii) the number and % that are urban/rural:
|
Urban/Rural |
Services |
% |
|
Rural |
77 |
22.45% |
|
Urban |
264 |
76.97% |
|
EIRCODE not found |
2 |
0.58% |
|
Grand Total |
343 |
100.00% |
iii) the number and % that were previously part of the scheme either this year or in previous years (including under previous service reference numbers)
|
Previous CF contract |
Services |
% |
|
No previous contract |
194 |
56.56% |
|
Previously contracted |
149 |
43.44% |
|
Grand Total |
343 |
100.00% |
