Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 February 2025
1006. Deputy James Geoghegan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of services that have withdrawn from core funding, by month and by county, in the past 12 months, up to and including today’s date, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3464/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver 92% or more than 4,400, providers have signed up for Core Funding in year 3.
There are a total of 12 services whose latest application status is "withdrawn" in the previous 12 months of the scheme.
The below table shows the services who have withdrawn from Core funding in the previous 12 month by location and withdrawal month.
|
County |
Number of Services |
Date of Withdrawal Programme Year 2023/2024 |
|
Clare |
1 |
August 2024 |
|
Cork County |
1 |
December 2024 |
|
Cavan |
1 |
April 2024 |
|
Kilkenny |
1 |
May 2024 |
|
Mayo |
1 |
March 2024 |
|
South Dublin |
2 |
May 2024 |
|
County |
Number of Services |
Date of Withdrawal Programme Year 2024/2025 |
|
Galway |
3 |
August 2024 |
|
Laois |
1 |
August 2024 |
|
Westmeath |
1 |
January 2025 |
It is a matter for providers to decide whether they wish to withdraw from the Core Funding scheme, the significant financial supports it provides to providers and the certainty it provides to parents through the associated fee management measures. However, I am confident that given the level of investment and associated supports, services should not need to take this step.
While a provider may withdraw from Core Funding, they remain eligible in this programme year to provide the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme and the Community Childcare Subvention Plus (CCSP) Saver programme.
The Agreement for the provision of Core Funding in Programme year 3 (2024/2025) states that services must give 3 months’ notice of their intention to withdraw to the scheme administrator, and 3 months' written notice to parents/guardians.
As of 28 January, information received from Pobal, the scheme administrator, indicates 3 Partner Services have given notice of their intention to withdraw from the scheme to Pobal, with withdrawal dates in March this year.
|
County |
Number of Services |
Date of Withdrawal |
|
Dublin City |
3 |
March 2025 |
In addition to these data, my officials have requested updated information on services, previously in years 1 and/or 2 of Core Funding that did not contract for the Scheme in year 3 but who continue to operate. Once this information is received, it can be shared directly with Deputy Geoghegan.
