Erin McGreehan
Question:25. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans for additional childcare places and staff in Louth; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47438/26]
View answerTuesday, 23 June 2026
Questions (25)
Written answers
Improving access to quality and affordable early learning and childcare is a key priority of Government.
Early learning and childcare capacity is increasing. Data from the Early Years Sector Profile 2024/25 shows that the estimated number of enrolments increased by approximately 25% from the 2021/22 programme year.
However, it appears that demand remains higher than available supply in certain parts of the country, particularly for younger children.
One of the ways Government is supporting the expansion of capacity is through capital funding.
The Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme is designed to increase capacity for full day places for children aged 1–3. The scheme will deliver up to 1,500 full-day care places.
A further Building Blocks scheme is now open for applications. This will fund extensions to existing premises to allow for increased numbers of children to be offered places on a full-time basis.
Separately, I recently announced €135 million of capital investment over the coming five years for State-led services to provide high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative.
Early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners play a valuable part in supporting children’s development, learning and care.
The Early Years Sector Profile shows that the number of educators and practitioners working with children increased by over 8% between 2024 and 2025, and by over 33% since 2022. In Louth, staff numbers have risen by over 17% since 2022.
Low pay and conditions remain a challenge. While the Government is the primary funder, it is not the employer and cannot directly set wages or conditions.
The Joint Labour Committee (JLC) is the formal mechanism through which employer and employee representatives negotiate minimum pay rates. Outcomes are set down in Employment Regulation Orders, and the JLC operates independently. These outcomes are supported through Core Funding., which has an allocation of €350 million for the current programme year, in addition to up to €45 million in ringfenced funding to support improved rates of pay in the sector.
The allocation for year 5 of Core Funding - which will commence in September - will increase by 23% to over €480 million. That allocation includes further ringfenced funding - of up to €45 million, for further improvements in staff pay is will be contingent on updated ERO.
Other recruitment and retention initiatives under “Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan 2022–2028” include student fast-track arrangements, assessment of unfinished qualifications, and the development of campaigns focused on raising awareness of career opportunities and pathways within the sector.
The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund supports educators pursuing Level 7 and 8 qualifications, funding up to 90% of fees, with over 700 staff currently supported.