Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
86. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department is aware that private ECCE only childcare providers are now liable for commercial rates; and if she will raise this issue with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage. [46908/26]
View answerI am aware that a number of early years services and childminders have been receiving rates-payable notifications from their Local Authorities. Given the importance of early learning and childcare for children, families and communities across the country, I am giving this matter my full attention.
I have engaged with my cabinet colleague, Minister Browne, and with the office of the Attorney General on several occasions in order to discuss this matter.
Officials in the Department are also engaging with colleagues in the Department of Housing to explore the solutions that might be available to rectify this situation.
I wish to remind the Deputy that the matter of commercial rates payments for early learning and childcare service providers does not fall under the remit of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Department has no role in determining which properties are rateable.
The making of valuations for rating purposes is the sole responsibility of Tailte Éireann, formerly the Commissioner of Valuation. Tailte Éireann falls under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DHLGH). Furthermore, the billing and collection of rates is solely a matter for the relevant local authority, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality has no function in that regard.
The Office of the Attorney General is currently seeking advice from external counsel on this matter. On receipt of this advice, I will continue to engage with the Attorney General and Minister Browne with a view to achieving a resolution as soon as possible.
