Seamus Healy
Question:351. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of WTE qualified veterinary surgeons employed by Horse Racing Ireland as of 1 July 2026, in tabular form. [52489/26]
View answerHorse Racing Industry
Questions (351)
Written answers
Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) is a commercial state body established under the Horse and Greyhound Racing Act, 2001, and is responsible for the overall administration, promotion and development of the horse racing industry.
The question raised by the Deputy is an operational matter for HRI, therefore, the question has been referred to the body for direct reply.
Greyhound Industry
Questions (352)
Seamus Healy
Question:352. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of WTE qualified veterinary surgeons employed by Greyhound Racing Ireland as of 1 July 2026, in tabular form. [52490/26]
View answerWritten answers
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body established under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The questions raised by the Deputy are operational matters for RCÉ and, therefore, the questions have been referred to that body for direct reply.
Departmental Reviews
Questions (353)
John Connolly
Question:353. Deputy John Connolly asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will publish the Review of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) as undertaken by senior management within his Department and announced at the end of October 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52512/26]
View answerWritten answers
The purpose of the review of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) was to examine the scheme to identify possible improvements in the experience of the participants and if environmental ambition has been fully realised. As part of the review, meetings were held with farming bodies, advisory bodies and the ACRES Co-operation Project Teams, following which a draft report was compiled.
Challenges being experienced in the implementation of the Scheme continued to be addressed while the review was being undertaken. I can confirm that issues which were impacting the timeliness of payments have now been resolved, with payments to 97% of all ACRES participants now up-to-date and over €787 million paid out in core scheme payments so far. All elements of ACRES have also now been implemented.
The outcome of the review of ACRES will contribute to the design and development of the agri-environment climate actions to be made available under the Common Agricultural Policy post 2027.
As the report of the review is currently being finalised, a decision regarding its publication will be made in due course.
Greyhound Industry
Questions (354)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:354. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the total amount spent by Rásaíocht Con Éireann on homing greyhounds no longer useful to the industry for each of the years 2019 to 2025 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52587/26]
View answerWritten answers
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body established under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The questions raised by the Deputy are operational matters for RCÉ and, therefore, the questions have been referred to that body for direct reply.
Greyhound Industry
Questions (355)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Question:355. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the fees and expenses paid to four individuals for recent fundraising information evenings at greyhound tracks (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52588/26]
View answerWritten answers
Rásaíocht Con Éireann (RCÉ) is a commercial state body established under the Greyhound Industry Act 1958 chiefly to control greyhound racing and to improve and develop the greyhound industry. RCÉ is a body corporate and a separate legal entity to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
The questions raised by the Deputy are operational matters for RCÉ and, therefore, the questions have been referred to that body for direct reply.
Disability Services
Questions (356)
Michael Cahill
Question:356. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to acquire a facility (details supplied) for urgently required respite for adults and children with profound disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52451/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to thank the Deputy for raising this question. As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
Disability Services
Questions (357)
Martin Daly
Question:357. Deputy Martin Daly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children in counties Roscommon and Galway awaiting completion of an assessment of need under the Disability Act 2005; and the number waiting more than six months and more than twelve months, in tabular form. [52461/26]
View answerWritten answers
The delivery of an effective, efficient Assessment of Need system is a Government priority as it is recognised that there are unacceptable delays in accessing Assessments of Need at present.
It is important at the outset to reiterate that children do not require an Assessment of Need report to access health services, including Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams, Mental Health Services, or education supports. However, demand for Assessments of Need has increased significantly in recent years, reflecting both the increase in population and families exploring all options to access services for their child.
While the HSE do not provide Assessment of Need data by county, data is provided by Regional Health Area and Local Health Office (LHO) area. The HSE data is only available for the number of applications overdue for completion for more than 3 months. The most recent data provided by the HSE for Roscommon and Galway LHOs is for Q1 2026:
|
LHO |
Number of applications overdue for completion by end of Q1 2026 |
Number of applications overdue for completion >3 months by end of Q1 2026 |
|
Roscommon |
125 |
105 |
|
Galway |
568 |
474 |
There has been intensive work by the Department and the HSE to address delays in the provision of Assessments of Need to children and their families, and progress is being made. While there is regional variation, overall, there has been a notable increase in the number of completed AON reports nationally over the past two years. Over 5,900 reports were completed in 2025 – a 43% increase compared to 2024, and an 85% increase compared to 2023.
In December 2025, Government announced a series of improvements to the Assessment of Need process. This includes legislative and operational changes which will make it more effective and efficient for children and families. Over time, this should lead to a reduction in the waiting time to receive an assessment.
Importantly, the proposed legislative changes will not remove any rights for parents to apply for an Assessment of Need for their child. They will also not alter the six-month timeline in the Act.
The General Scheme of the Disability (Amendment) Bill has been published on the Department’s website. The Joint Committee on Disability Matters has published its report, following pre-legislative scrutiny of the Bill, and the Department is considering its recommendations. An FAQ document (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/assessment-of-needs-process-proposed-changes/) has also been published, providing information on Assessment of Need and the proposed changes.
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 of Need reports. This includes the establishment of working groups to address learning and development needs and to develop statutory guidelines.
The HSE continues to progress 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. The model will be rolled out this year and will make it easier for families to be referred to the right service as early as possible, 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 which was launched in May 2026. This will provide a standardised assessment process for autism across primary care, mental health and disability services.
• The creation of eleven new HSE teams, initially, to support assessment processes, including Assessment of Need, providing clinical guidance and administrative supports.
It is intended that these improvements to the AON process will result in a noticeable reduction in waiting times for children and their families across the country.
Disability Services
Questions (358)
Peter Roche
Question:358. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of vacant posts within Children's Disability Network Teams nationally and by health region; the average time taken to fill these vacancies; whether consideration is being given to streamlining the recruitment approval process to reduce delays in services for children with disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51551/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Disability Services
Questions (359)
Albert Dolan
Question:359. Deputy Albert Dolan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the steps she is taking, in conjunction with the HSE, to address the shortage of planned respite services for children with disabilities in County Galway; whether she is aware of the pressures outlined by service providers arising from crisis placements displacing planned respite; and if she will provide an update on the status of the proposed after-school respite programme at (details supplied) including timelines for approval, funding, and implementation. [33107/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to thank the Deputy for raising this question. As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
Disability Services
Questions (360)
Michael Cahill
Question:360. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to urgently provide respite hours at home for a child (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52356/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to thank the Deputy for raising this question. As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
Disability Services
Questions (361)
Brian Brennan
Question:361. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when a service can expect to receive an update on an application (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52400/26]
View answerWritten answers
€135 million is being made available between 2026 and 2030 for the State-led Early Learning and Childcare capital programme, providing high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare.
The process will begin this year with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements. The Department will work with not-for-profit providers to design, open and operate services.
A suite of appraisal criteria and tools have been developed in order to assess the potential alignment of projects with Departmental goals of promoting quality, inclusion, accessibility and affordability, including a forward planning model which allows for detailed analysis.
The Department is now assessing project options in order to identify which are best placed to deliver on the goals of the programme.
Project proposals are brought to the attention of the Department through completion of a preliminary appraisal form which is available from City and County Childcare Committees.
When a suitable project is brought to the Department, the Forward Planning and Delivery Unit develop a Preliminary Business Case for the project. The Preliminary Business Case assesses the building and the location associated with the project against the programme's appraisal criteria as well as analysing cost, value for money and the quality of the proposed building. The Preliminary Business Case is considered by a Capital Steering Group following which it may receive approval-in-principle.
It is important to note that this is not a guarantee of funding for the project as a whole.
After approval-in-principle, a Final Business Case is developed for the project which includes the selection of an eligible operator, agreement of investment/purchasing of buildings, and detailed building design and costing work. The Final Business Case is considered by the Capital Steering Group prior to seeking full approval. Only once a Final Business Case which provides full details of the project has been developed can final approval for funding be sought.
A number of projects have received approval-in-principle and are being developed to Final Business Case. Local City and County Childcare Committees are supporting the development of these projects .
No final decisions have yet been made on the specific projects but I look forward to sharing details of projects as they are agreed.
Disability Services
Questions (362)
Michael Cahill
Question:362. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to give consideration to acquiring locations (details supplied) for urgently required respite for adults and children with profound disabilities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52454/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to thank the Deputy for raising this question. As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
Disability Services
Questions (363)
Micheál Carrigy
Question:363. Deputy Micheál Carrigy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children in the CDNT in Longford; and the number of speech therapists in Longford. [52485/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Disability Services
Questions (364)
Claire Kerrane
Question:364. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason the sanctioning of AIM Level 7 support is not given until July (details supplied); the reason these decisions cannot be made earlier; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52499/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a model of supports designed to ensure that children with a disability or additional needs can access the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme. The goal of AIM is to empower Early Learning and Care (ELC) providers to deliver an inclusive preschool experience, ensuring that every eligible child can meaningfully participate in the ECCE Programme and reap the benefits of high-quality early learning and care through universal and targeted supports.
AIM Level 7 support provides additional funding to ELC providers for a child who requires extra support in an ECCE service. AIM Level 7 funding acts to either reduce the child-to-adult ratio in the room or to fund an extra staff member as a shared resource with other children in the setting. In September of 2024, Level 7 funding was expanded to include an additional 3 hours per day during term time, or 6 hours per day during non-term time.
A redesign of the AIM Level 7 application process is currently being undertaken and this will simplify processes, reduce administrative demands on services, and improve the overall application experience. If a service wishes to access AIM Level 7 supports, they can express their interest by submitting an AIM Level 4 application form. As part of the Level 4 application process, an Early Years Specialist will contact the service provider by phone. During this call, the provider should indicate if they wish to avail of AIM Level 7 supports.
As part of the redesigned process, the level of support allocated to a child will be determined after the AIM Level 4 application has been submitted and Better Start has carried out an initial review of the child’s needs. Preliminary decisions on the level of support, including Level 7 if relevant, determined at the AIM Level 4 application stage have begun issuing to providers since the start of this July.
While employment decisions are a matter for providers, the Scheme Administrator Pobal has confirmed that the preliminary decision is expected to be final, subject to the provider completing a subsequent Level 7 application in August if relevant. This brief application will serve as a confirmation step to ensure that the relevant child registrations, including ECCE and, where applicable, NCS, are in place.
The process differs from the Level 7 application process used previously, but this interim arrangement for this year is delivering approvals within the advised 12-week timeframe. Pobal published an FAQ on the HIVE on 1 July to assist providers, which explains in detail the changes to the Level 7 application process and responds to the queries which have arisen on the interim arrangement including queries on timelines and recruitment. When the new simplified application process is fully operational, AIM Level 7 assessments and decisions will be made in a much shorter timeframe.
Childcare Services
Questions (365)
Claire Kerrane
Question:365. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when there was last an increase in the rate paid for ECCE. [52504/26]
View answerWritten answers
The ECCE programme is delivered over 3 hours per day, 15 hours per week and 38 weeks of the year. There is no charge to parents for the ECCE programme. ECCE capitation is paid to providers in respect of each eligible child enrolled.
In 2010, when the ECCE Programme was first introduced, the standard capitation was €64.50, the higher capitation rate (for services with graduate room leaders) was €75 and the adult child ratio was 1:10. This equated to a maximum weekly income to providers of €645 (with standard capitation) and €750 (with higher capitation) for every 10 children to one adult.
In 2012, as part of austerity measures, the standard capitation was reduced to €62.50 and the higher capitation rate was reduced to €73. To offset this, the adult child ratio increased from 1:10 to 1:11. This equated to a maximum weekly income to providers of €687.50 (with standard capitation) and €803 (with higher capitation) for every 11 children to one adult.
In 2016, ECCE capitation was restored to €64.50 (standard capitation) and €75 (higher capitation) though the increased ratio remained in place. This equated to a maximum weekly income to providers of €709.50 (with standard capitation) and €825 (with higher capitation) for every 11 children to one adult.
In 2017, a non-contact time payment – later known as Programme Support Payment (PSP) – was introduced. This provided additional funding to ECCE providers equivalent to 7 additional days at standard capitation rates (equivalent to an additional €26.14 per week per 11 children or €2.38 per week per child). Funding for the ECCE Programme and PSP combined equated to a maximum weekly income to providers of €735.64 (where standard capitation applied) and €851.14 (where higher capitation applied) for every 11 children to one adult.
In 2018, ECCE capitation was increase by 7% to €69.00 (standard capitation) and €80.25 (higher capitation). Funding for the ECCE Programme and PSP (equivalent to 7 additional days at standard capitation rates equivalent to an additional €27.96 per week per 11 children or €2.54 per week per child) combined equated to a maximum weekly income to providers of €786.96 (where standard capitation applied) and €910.71 (where higher capitation applied) for every 11 children to one adult.
In 2021, the PSP was increased an equivalent of 8 additional days at standard capitation rates (equivalent to an additional €31.96 per week per 11 children or €2.91 per child per week). Funding for the ECCE Programme and PSP combined equated combined equated to a maximum weekly income to providers of €790.96 (where standard capitation applied) and €914.71 (where higher capitation applied) for every 11 children to one adult.
When Core Funding services was introduced in 2022, services previously in receipt of ECCE standard capitation (of €69 per week per child) received an addition €9.75 per child per week through Core Funding – an increase of 9.5%.
Through ECCE and Core Funding combined, services currently receive a minimum of €80.40 per child per week, before the application of graduate premiums, targeted measures, and the ring-fenced funding for improving staff pay and conditions.
In addition, there are targeted supports for small and sessional services through Core Funding, including the flat rate of €5,000 for services registered with Tusla as sessional only and the minimum base rate allocation, which is €14,400.
Childcare Services
Questions (366)
Claire Kerrane
Question:366. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the estimated full year cost of increasing the rate paid to ECCE to €100 per child per week. [52505/26]
View answerWritten answers
ECCE
The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Programme scheme is a universal scheme which provides 2 years of free preschool to children in the eligible age range of 2 years and 8 months to 5 years and 6 months. The Department funds private early learning and care service providers to provide the ECCE programme at a standard rate of €69 per week per child attending the ECCE programme. The programme is provided for 3 hours per day, 5 days per week over 38 weeks per year. All children can avail of two full years of the Programme.
The Deputy requested the estimated full-year cost of increasing the ECCE capitation grant to €100 per child per week. This constitutes a €31 increase per child per week on the current capitation of €69, or an increase of 44.9%.
To calculate the full year cost, officials in the Department used the total budget allocation for the ECCE scheme for 2026 which is a total of €259 million. Using this allocation the estimated full year cost of increasing ECCE capitation by 44.9% would be €116.3 million. Therefore, a 44.9% increase to the ECCE capitation would bring the total full year allocation to an estimated €375.3 million.
It is important to note that these estimates does not account for change in usage resulting from this proposed subsidy increase. Any changes to subsidies may create a change in behaviours, for example, an increase in the number of services offering the scheme or families availing of ECCE for the first time.
Core Funding
It is important to also note that ECCE funding is designed to cover the cost of the ECCE place, not to contribute to operational costs of the service. The Core Funding Scheme, which has been in operation since 2022 is specifically designed to contribute to the operating costs and sustainability of early learning and childcare services. Core Funding is tailored to the individual service, making it a more flexible platform for investment towards the operating costs of services.
Through ECCE and Core Funding combined, services currently receive a minimum of €80.40 per child per week, before the application of graduate premiums, targeted measures, and the ring-fenced funding for improving staff pay and conditions.
In addition, there are targeted supports for small and sessional services through Core Funding, including the flat rate of €5,000 for services registered with Tusla as sessional only and the minimum base rate allocation, which is €14,400.
Childcare Services
Questions (367)
Claire Kerrane
Question:367. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she is aware that ECCE providers are struggling to meet costs; and if she will look at an increase given the importance and success of ECCE and the need to maintain that. [52506/26]
View answerWritten answers
The Department funds private early learning and care service providers to provide the ECCE programme at a standard rate of €69 per week per child attending the ECCE programme. Through ECCE and Core Funding combined, services currently receive a minimum of €80.40 per child per week, before the application of graduate premiums, targeted measures, and the ring-fenced funding for improving staff pay and conditions.
Core Funding is a supply-side grant to early learning and childcare providers towards their operating costs. It is designed to promote affordability for parents and sustainability for providers through increased funding to the sector, paid on a consistent and equitable basis.
While the State cannot mandate providers to participate in the scheme, Core Funding has been designed with maximum participation of providers in mind as reflected in the year-on-year growth of investment in the Scheme (rising from €259 million in year 1 to over €390 million in year 4). This represents an increase of over 50% in Core Funding in three years.
Further investment was announced for Core Funding in Budget 2026. The additional funding being made available in 2026 will see the allocation for Core Funding in the next programme year which begins in September 2026 increase to over €480 million. That is an additional €90 million on the current full year allocation, or a 23% increase.
Services that are experiencing difficulty and who would like support are encouraged to contact their City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) to access case management supports. This case management process through the CCCs is the route to access additional sustainability funding if required.
Childcare Services
Questions (368)
Claire Kerrane
Question:368. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she has looked at lengthening the ECCE year to provide more to children and parents. [52507/26]
View answerWritten answers
Lengthening the ECCE programme year is not currently under consideration by the Department. However, through Shaping the Future, consideration is being given to extending the hours of ECCE provision from 3 to 4 hours per day in the second year.
Shaping the Future, the recently published Early Years Action Plan Phase 1 Report, notes that the potential to extend the ECCE free pre-school will be included in consultations and analysis under Phase 2 of the Action Plan. Phase 2 actions, which will be undertaken from 2027 through to the end of 2029, will be published in Q4 2026. Before Phase 2 actions can be specified in line with the Programme for Government commitment, a broad public consultation process is currently underway.
Any changes to the ECCE Programme will need to be carefully considered and grounded in robust evidence. This includes assessing the impacts on children’s development, families, ECCE providers and educators, as well as ensuring consistency, equity and sustainability across the programme.
Departmental Funding
Questions (369)
Claire Kerrane
Question:369. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if ESF+ funding is available to support the expansion of family resource centres in terms of renovations of an empty building; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52508/26]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to inform the Deputy that I understand that the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) cannot fund capital works, and that this is in line with Regulation (EU) 1060/2021 and Regulation (EU) 1057/2021.
Childcare Services
Questions (370)
Seán Crowe
Question:370. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to report on an instruction by Tusla to an ASD childcare provider (details supplied) that services may not be provided to any child over five years and 11 months; her views that such an instruction removes an invaluable service to many families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52548/26]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.