Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 July 2024
617. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number, and percentage, of registered childcare providers who are not taking part in the core funding model; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29595/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraCore Funding is in operation since 15 September 2022 and has achieved very significant success in terms of the high levels of participation.
95% of providers participated in year 1 of the scheme, 94.5% providers have signed up for Core Funding Year 2. There are more providers in absolute terms participating in the Scheme this year.
At its peak in Core Funding Year 1, there were 4,245 services participating. As of 1st July 2024, there are 4,348 services participating in Core Funding Year 2.
Applications for Year 3, which begins on 1st September 2024, opened last week. Almost 500 services have already submitted applications within this first week, with uptake typically increasing rapidly over the summer months.
My Department is pleased with this high level of engagement and while my Department cannot mandate providers to participate in the Scheme, every effort has been made to carefully design the Scheme to achieve high levels of participation by providers.
Arising from Budget 2024, the Core Funding allocation for year 3 of the scheme will increase again by 15% - to €331 million. This will support the delivery of a range of enhancements in Year 3 of the scheme to support improved affordability and accessibility for families, improved pay and conditions for the workforce and improved sustainability for providers.
