Written Answers Nos. 720-739
720. Deputy Marie Sherlock asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the breakdown of funding to local authorities under the play and recreation capital funding scheme in the years 2020 to 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33991/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy department provides for the upgrading and maintenance of playground facilities for children and young people through the annual Capital Grant Scheme for Play and Recreation.
Established in 2013, this grant scheme operates through and with Local Authorities. The scheme also funds the development of new playgrounds and recreation facilities and the incorporation of natural play elements.
All facilities and equipment funded must be child-friendly and safe, and applications must provide evidence that children and young people living locally, who will have access to the facility, have been consulted about the project for which funding is sought.
The following table outlines the breakdown of funding to local authorities under the play and recreation capital funding scheme in the years 2020 to 2025:
|
Local Authority |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
Subtotal 2020 - 2025 |
|
Carlow |
€0 |
€15,646 |
€15,552 |
€14,873 |
€16,363.39 |
€19,998 |
€82,432 |
|
Cavan |
€12,744 |
€16,132 |
€15,852 |
€15,833 |
€15,184.05 |
€16,665 |
€92,410 |
|
Clare |
€0 |
€11,782 |
€15,852 |
€11,020 |
€13,120.20 |
€0 |
€51,774 |
|
Cork City |
€15,000 |
€16,170 |
€16,541 |
€16,793 |
€14,741.79 |
€12,221 |
€91,467 |
|
Cork County |
€0 |
€16,132 |
€16,541 |
€18,000 |
€14,152.12 |
€18,887 |
€83,712 |
|
Donegal |
€19,500 |
€16,832 |
€16,541 |
€15,833 |
€16,510.81 |
€18,887 |
€104,104 |
|
Dublin City |
€22,500 |
€16,832 |
€16,541 |
€17,912 |
€17,690.15 |
€20,000 |
€111,475 |
|
Dun Laoghaire/Rathdown |
€0 |
€16,832 |
€0 |
€0 |
€0 |
€16,887 |
€33,719 |
|
Fingal |
€16,500 |
€16,132 |
€15,191 |
€16,633 |
€16,510.81 |
€19,998 |
€100,965 |
|
Galway City |
€19,500 |
€16,132 |
€15,162 |
€12,195 |
€16,953.06 |
€18,442 |
€98,384 |
|
Galway County |
€9,250 |
€15,896 |
€15,852 |
€16,633 |
€15,773.72 |
€18,887 |
€92,292 |
|
Kerry |
€14,750 |
€11,764 |
€15,852 |
€17,272 |
€16,881.81 |
€20,000 |
€96,520 |
|
Kildare |
€16,500 |
€16,132 |
€15,852 |
€15,193 |
€14,152.12 |
€15,109 |
€92,938 |
|
Kilkenny |
€5,957 |
€15,620 |
€15,852 |
€16,026 |
€16,658.23 |
€18,887 |
€89,000 |
|
Laois |
€22,500 |
€15,496 |
€16,541 |
€18,000 |
€17,542.74 |
€20,000 |
€110,080 |
|
Leitrim |
€22,500 |
€16,120 |
€15,162 |
€17,912 |
€16,215.97 |
€19,109 |
€107,019 |
|
Limerick |
€15,000 |
€16,040 |
€16,541 |
€14,394 |
€15,773.72 |
€15,998 |
€93,747 |
|
Longford |
€16,250 |
€10,674 |
€13,784 |
€15,673 |
€17,395.32 |
€18,442 |
€92,218 |
|
Louth |
€16,500 |
€15,992 |
€15,852 |
€12,582 |
€10,761.51 |
€17,776 |
€89,464 |
|
Mayo |
€16,500 |
€15,226 |
€15,852 |
€17,752 |
€15,478.88 |
€15,554 |
€96,363 |
|
Meath |
€19,500 |
€14,958 |
€15,162 |
€15,193 |
€9,414.11 |
€0 |
€74,227 |
|
Monaghan |
€19,500 |
€15,850 |
€16,541 |
€18,000 |
€15,773.72 |
€18,887 |
€104,552 |
|
Offaly |
€13,125 |
€13,512 |
€0 |
€10,147 |
€15,036.63 |
€18,220 |
€70,041 |
|
Roscommon |
€13,997 |
€15,850 |
€6,702 |
€9,955 |
€14,671.36 |
€0 |
€61,175 |
|
Sligo |
€4,988 |
€15,406 |
€15,852 |
€14,613 |
€15,626.30 |
€15,835 |
€82,320 |
|
South Dublin |
€24,000 |
€16,132 |
€16,541 |
€0 |
€15,200.43 |
€19,331 |
€91,204 |
|
Tipperary |
€16,500 |
€11,110 |
€15,576 |
€17,592 |
€15,626.30 |
€16,443 |
€92,847 |
|
Waterford |
€16,500 |
€15,992 |
€15,162 |
€15,353 |
€16,953.06 |
€14,434 |
€94,394 |
|
Westmeath |
€17,500 |
€16,342 |
€15,852 |
€15,513 |
€16,363.39 |
€19,998 |
€101,568 |
|
Wexford |
€0 |
€15,332 |
€16,541 |
€16,153 |
€1,700.55 |
€16,665 |
€66,392 |
|
Wicklow |
€18,000 |
€11,572 |
€15,162 |
€16,952 |
€15,773.72 |
€18,442 |
€95,902 |
721. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when a centre (details supplied) will again be able to offer full respite services to children and families, which I am advised, has not been provided since January 2025; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34010/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTusla, the Child and Family Agency has advised my Department that, in January 2025, the Agency was required to identify a suitable placement for a child with challenging and complex needs. In the circumstances, the Agency made the decision to temporarily close the referenced respite centre in order to accommodate this critical placement of a vulnerable young person.
Tusla has advised that there is currently no timeline for the reopening of the centre to provide respite services. Tusla has committed to providing support to those affected by the closure of this service.
Tusla has given a commitment to keep this issue under constant review, as it continues to respond to the urgent needs of children and young people in its care.
722. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will examine the new regulations for childminders to ensure that they are not leading to increased paperwork for childminders, who want to be spending time with the children they look after rather than sitting doing paperwork; if she will ensure the additional requirements are as straightforward as possible to ensure good childminders are retained in the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34081/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra724. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on a review into administration for childminders as referenced by her at the Joint Committee meeting on children on 12 June in which she advised that “in terms of red tape, a review is ongoing with a view to minimising it. Our purpose is to make things easier, not more difficult, as we go forward”; where this review is at; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34117/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 722 and 724 together.
The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 set out a pathway for the extension of regulation to childminders. A key objective of the National Action Plan for Childminding is to enable parents who use childminders to benefit from State subsidies through the National Childcare Scheme. As a result of the commencement of the relevant parts of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024 and the Childminding Services Regulations, which came into effect on 30 September 2024, childminders are now able to apply to register with Tusla and can therefore also take part in the National Childcare Scheme.
Only Tusla-registered providers are eligible to participate in the Scheme. The limitation of public funding schemes to Tusla-registered providers helps to ensure that public funding is provided where there is assurance of the quality of provision.
The childminding-specific Regulations, which came into effect last September, are designed to be proportionate and appropriate to the home and family setting in which childminders work. The regulations set out the exact requirements as to what is required for registration. This information is also available on Tusla's website.
Childminders now have a three-year transition period (to September 2027) during which they are able to register with Tusla but are not yet required to do so. Once registered with Tusla, a childminder can apply to take part in the National Childcare Scheme.
During the transition period, supports are available for childminders at local level through the City and County Childcare Committees. Each City and County Childcare Committee employs a Childminding Development Officer, who provides a range of supports to local childminders, including a short pre-registration training course.
The National Action Plan commits to a review of the initial implementation of the childminding-specific Regulations before 2028. This review will be broad in scope. My Department has committed to undertake this review (which will include consultation with childminders and other stakeholders) during the three-year transition period which runs to 2027. Following conclusion of this review I will give consideration to the appropriate next steps.
In relation to plans for Administrative and Regulatory Simplification, work is well advanced on the Programme for Government commitment to reduce the administrative burden on providers. On 19 September 2023, plans to develop an Action Plan for Administrative and Regulatory Simplification for the Early Learning and Childcare Sector were announced, supported by a Working Group comprising representatives from the Department, Pobal and the City / County Childcare Committees.
This initiative is being informed by an Advisory Group comprising providers, educators/practitioners and parent representatives, which was convened in December 2023.
Indecon Economic Consultants have completed a review of the end to end processes linked to publicly funded early learning and childcare schemes/programmes and a report will be produced of the findings of this review and the feedback received from over 400 parents, providers, representative bodies and other key sectoral stakeholders at a series of regional consultation events held over May and June 2024.
Both the completed review, and the consultation feedback report are anticipated to be published in the coming weeks and will offer an insight into administrative requirements for the sector, which includes childminders, and the balance of same while continuing to ensure best governance and quality is delivered. This review will be accompanied by a list of immediate actions that are already in train or will be delivered in the coming programme year.
Following further engagement with the Working and Advisory groups, the Action Plan which will outline short-term, medium-term, and long term administrative and regulatory simplification measures will be finalised and published in September.
723. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the infrastructure projects being built or commissioned by her Department that are currently late in their delivery; and the infrastructure projects currently over budget; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34085/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
725. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the status of the baby bundle project that was trialled in 2023; the amount of families that benefited; the net cost of the scheme to date, in tabular form; if it is intended to proceed with a pilot expansion; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34120/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2023, my Department piloted the Little Baby Bundle. Almost 500 expectant families who were attending the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin and University Hospital Waterford received the Baby Bundle, and provided feedback to the Department on their experiences as part of a commissioned evaluation of the pilot.
My Department commissioned an independent evaluation of the pilot in order to gather feedback from participants and key stakeholders, to identify lessons learned, and assess whether the scheme was suitable for an annualised, nationwide rollout. This included the commissioning of a subsequent fact-finding report in order to identify an appropriate model of delivery for nationwide implementation.
The total cost of the Baby Bundle pilot is presented in the following table.
|
Expenditure |
Cost (incl. VAT) |
|
Contract for managing agent to design pilot bundle, procure contents, and distribute |
€200,000 |
|
Contract for independent evaluation |
€87,163.80 |
|
Contract for post-pilot fact-finding report |
€20,000 |
|
Total |
€307,163.80 |
Participating parents reported feeling supported by the State at this significant moment for their family, and that the Bundle had saved them money on key items. Health and Social Care professionals who participated in the evaluation reported the potential to use the Bundle to start conversations with parents about baby’s health and development, as well as positive parenting behaviours.
The Programme for Government 2025 commits to expanding the provision for newborns and their parents of a Baby Bundle, comprising essential items to support them from day one, within the lifetime of this Government.
726. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she is aware that communities seeking to establish new childcare facilities are precluded from accessing Building Blocks, the only financial support available, as they are not an existing service; if she will rectify this to ensure the funding is more accessible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34188/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnsuring access to early learning and childcare is a key priority of Government. There has been a significant expansion of provision in recent years and a 19% increase in children enrolled in services between 2022 and 2024.
We are continuing to support the sustainability and expansion of the sector through ongoing development and resourcing of Core Funding which has given rise to a significant expansion of places since the scheme was first introduced. Core Funding supports providers with operating costs based on the number of places available.
Capital funding is one way that Government supports capacity expansion. €25m in voted expenditure is available for the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme in 2025. The Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme closed for applications on 30th January and a total of 78 applications were received from across the country. 50 of these applicants have been successful in progression to the next stage of the process.
The funded applications include a mix of community and private services and different types of projects including extensions, constructions of new builds and purchases of new premises. The scheme was only open to existing Core Funding partner services to ensure an existing track record of service provision and adherence to the conditions attached to the Core Funding scheme, including in respect of fee management.
The approach to capital investment in future years is being considered within the context of the Programme for Government commitments and the revision to the National Development Plan which is ongoing.
Consideration in this regard is being given to the possibility for future capital programmes, including potentially operating a further to support the expansion of provision.
My officials and I are continuing to engage with colleagues across Government on the review of the National Development Plan, the outcome of which will determine the timing and scale of future capital investment initiatives.
727. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will consider greater flexibility for Building Blocks, the only financial support available for childcare facilities, where there is an opportunity for a community to buy an existing premises (not new), therefore bringing life back to a closed building, usually in the heart of a town which is an ideal location for a childcare facility, and ensuring a quicker turnaround for the establishment of a much-needed childcare facility, especially where there is severe need (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34189/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraCapital funding that has been allocated to the early learning and childcare sector under the National Development Plan (NDP) has enabled significant investment in early learning and childcare.
In 2025, €25m in voted expenditure was made available for the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme. This will allow existing Core Funding Partner Services extend their existing premises or construct or purchase new premises.
The approach to capital investment in future years is being considered within the context of the Programme for Government commitments and the revision to the National Development Plan which is ongoing.
Consideration in this regard is being given to the possibility for future capital programmes, including potentially operating a further scheme to support the expansion of provision by existing operators. My Department are considering all aspects of a future scheme, including prioritising investment in areas with the greatest need for provision.
Discussions on updates to the National Development Plan between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform are ongoing. My officials continue to regularly engage with colleagues across Government on the review, the outcome of which will determine the timing and scale of future capital investment initiatives.
728. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of WTE ICT data specialists employed by her Department in 2024 and to-date in 2025, in tabular form. [34200/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile my Department employees staff as ICT specialists and Statisticians, it does not employ anyone in the role as ‘ICT data specialist’.
729. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of vacancies on the north Tipperary CDNT; when it is intended to fill these vacancies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34213/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
730. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of vacancies, by job title, at each CDNT within CHO9 and CHO7, in tabular form. [34264/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
731. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the status of the National strategy for women and girls; when it is expected to be published; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34315/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department leads on cross-government policy to promote gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
The Programme for Government commits my Department to publish and implement an updated National Strategy for Women and Girls. My Department is currently working to fulfil that commitment. A stakeholder consultation was completed at the end of 2024. This consultation sought input from both the general public and representatives from across civil society. A National Youth Assembly was convened in September 2024 to attain the views of young people on priorities for inclusion in the new strategy. This assembly was specifically designed to provide young people with an opportunity to discuss how gender inequality affects their lives, explore solutions, and make recommendations that could be integrated into national policy.
In March 2025 an engagement event, supported by the National Women's Council, was held to mark International Women's Day and to provide an update to stakeholders. The findings from the stakeholder consultation and National Youth Assembly event were discussed followed by a prioritisation exercise to help identify potential gaps in the findings and areas for further consideration.
An Inter-Departmental Committee was convened in April with representatives from the majority of Government Departments to discuss the aims and objectives of the next Strategy, and potential actions to progress gender equality.
Officials are currently working intensively to finalise the new Strategy with a view to publishing the Strategy shortly.
732. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when her Department's action plan for administrative and regulatory simplification will be complete. [34384/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraWork is well advanced on the Programme for Government commitment to reduce the administrative burden on providers. On 19 September 2023, plans to develop an Action Plan for Administrative and Regulatory Simplification for the Early Learning and Childcare Sector were announced, supported by a Working Group comprising representatives from the Department, Pobal and the City / County Childcare Committees.
This initiative is being informed by an Advisory Group comprising providers, educators/practitioners and parent representatives, which was convened in December 2023.
Indecon Economic Consultants have completed a review of the end to end processes linked to publicly funded early learning and childcare schemes/programmes and a report will be produced of the findings of this review and the feedback received from over 400 parents, providers, representative bodies and other key sectoral stakeholders at a series of regional consultation events held over May and June 2024.
Both the completed review, and the consultation feedback report are anticipated to be published in the coming weeks and will offer an insight into administrative requirements for the sector and the balance of same while continuing to ensure best governance and quality is delivered. This review will be accompanied by a list of immediate actions that are already in train, or will be delivered in the coming programme year.
Following further engagement with the Working and Advisory groups, the Action Plan which will outline short-term, medium-term, and long term administrative and regulatory simplification measures will be finalised and published in September.
733. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on her Department's plans to ensure all childminders are registered by 2027. [34385/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028, launched in 2021, set out a pathway for the extension of registration to childminders. A key objective of the National Action Plan for Childminding is to enable parents who use childminders to benefit from State subsidies through the National Childcare Scheme. As a result of the commencement of the relevant parts of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024 and the Childminding Services Regulations, which came into effect on 30 September 2024, childminders are now able to apply to register with Tusla and can therefore also take part in the National Childcare Scheme.
The childminding-specific Regulations are designed to be proportionate and appropriate to the home and family setting in which childminders work. The regulations differ substantially from regulations for centre-based childcare.
The 2024 Act provides for a transition period of three years before registration becomes mandatory. This phased approach aims to facilitate the largest possible number of childminders to enter the regulated sector, the sphere of quality assurance, and access to Government subsidies, while recognising the time and supports required for childminders to learn about and prepare for registration.
During the transition period, supports are available for childminders at local level through the City and County Childcare Committees. Each City and County Childcare Committee employs a Childminding Development Officer, who provides a range of supports to local childminders, including a short pre-registration training course. In addition, officials in my Department are currently planning a series of communications to encourage childminders to register before the end of the transition period.
The National Action Plan for Childminding commits to a review of the initial implementation of the childminding-specific Regulations before 2028. My Department will undertake this review, which will include consultation with childminders and other stakeholders, during the transition period.
734. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on her Department's work to ensure the additional bureaucracy involved in registering childminders does not result in a decrease of available childminders. [34386/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028, launched in April 2021, set out a pathway for the extension of registration to childminders. A key objective of the National Action Plan for Childminding is to enable parents who use childminders to benefit from State subsidies through the National Childcare Scheme. As a result of the commencement of the relevant parts of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024 and the Childminding Services Regulations, which came into effect on 30 September 2024, childminders are now able to apply to register with Tusla and can therefore also take part in the National Childcare Scheme.
This was a milestone in the implementation of the National Action Plan for Childminding. Phase 1 of the National Action Plan for Childminding, which is now complete, included extensive consultation with childminders, parents and other stakeholders. The childminding-specific Regulations, which were initially developed by the Regulation and Inspection Advisory Group, whose stakeholder membership includes childminders and Childminding Ireland, are proportionate and appropriate to the home and family setting in which childminders work. In finalising the Regulations, substantial changes were made in response to feedback in the public consultation last year.
In addition, an independent external review of the draft regulations was carried out by Dr Bill Maxwell, the former CEO of Education Scotland, former Chief Inspector in both Scotland and Wales, and OECD consultant, which confirmed that the approach was proportionate for childminding in Ireland.
The childminding-specific Regulations are designed to be proportionate and appropriate to the home and family setting in which childminders work. The regulations differ substantially from regulations for centre-based childcare.
The National Action Plan for Childminding commits to a review of the initial implementation of the childminding-specific Regulations before 2028. My Department will undertake this review, which will include consultation with childminders and other stakeholders, during the transition period.
735. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the creation of the new nurturing skills website by her Department. [34387/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department continues to implement ‘Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028’.
Nurturing Skills sets out plans to raise the profile of careers in the sector and establish role profiles, career pathways, qualification requirements, and associated policy mechanisms, along with leadership development opportunities, and will work towards a more gender-balanced and diverse workforce.
The innovative new Nurturing Skills website, nurturingskills.ie, was launched by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality at the national conference ‘Continuing the Journey: Exploring the updated Aistear’, which took place in Dublin on 24 May 2025.
This website delivers on a number of actions contained in the Nurturing Skills Implementation Plan, including the development of a hub for Continuing Professional Development and a one-stop-shop on careers, qualifications and training opportunities in the Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare sector.
This new online platform will support over 31,000 staff working with 235,000 children in early learning and care, school-age childcare and childminding settings in Ireland. The website will be a valuable way for my Department to share news and resources directly with the workforce and with people considering joining this workforce.
The Nurturing Skills website will host the new Nurturing Skills Learning Hub, which provides educators with easy access to learning materials and training opportunities in several areas, including inclusive practice, health & wellbeing and the Irish language.
The website represents a significant milestone towards achieving a national Continuing Professional Development system for the sector, which was a commitment in Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Development Plan.
The intention is to continue updating and developing the website to ensure that it is seen as the 'go-to' resource for educators, practitioners and childminders for both their practice and their career.
736. Deputy Maeve O'Connell asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the national plan for the Irish language in ELC / SAC will be complete. [34388/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is intended that a National Plan on Irish language provision in Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) will be published later in 2025.
The development of the national plan is a commitment in the 5-Year Action Plan for the Irish Language. The national plan is expected to support the delivery of two commitments in First 5: the Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families: “Introduce measures to ensure that children in Gaeltacht areas have access to Irish-medium ELC provision” and “Develop mechanisms to provide Irish-language supports to ELC provision where there are high proportions of children who are learning through the medium of Irish”. The plan is also expected to support the delivery of commitments in the Programme for Government to: “Support naíonraí and creches to ensure early education access in Gaeltacht communities and beyond” and “Plan the development of State-led facilities in tandem with the school building programme, including Irish-medium naíonraí”.
A survey of Irish-medium ELC/SAC settings including childminders was undertaken in 2022-2023 to obtain a baseline of the current level of Irish-medium provision in the sector. In addition, a public consultation and a programme of research, including a literature review, took place in 2024. A consultation with children is nearing completion.
In addition to the focus on Irish-medium ELC and SAC services, it is anticipated that the new national plan will also include measures to support English-medium ELC services to work within the updated Aistear early childhood curriculum framework, which was published in December 2024. The updated Aistear includes an aim of supporting young children to have an awareness and appreciation of Gaeilge and our cultural and linguistic heritage.
737. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of social workers currently working within the Tusla 'children in care' team in County Clare; the numbers of children placed with each of those social workers; if any of the three current social worker vacancies, details from Parliamentary Question No. 80 of 17 June 2025, are from within the children-in-care team in Tusla in County Clare; the total numbers of social workers who have been employed in the Tusla children-in-care team in County Clare since 2021; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34421/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this relates to information held by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, the question has been referred to the Agency for direct reply to the Deputy.
738. Deputy Aidan Farrelly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of complaints received by HIQA relating to residential public and private childcare settings in 2020 to date in 2025, by county, in tabular form. [34447/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis is a matter for my cabinet colleague, the Minister for Health.
739. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she is aware of the shortage of childcare facilities available in Carrigaline in Cork; to provide an update on the predicated opening of a new childcare service (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34486/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarly learning and care (ELC) and school aged childcare (SAC) services are provided by private enterprises, either privately owned or operated by community organisations. As such, it is at the discretion of each provider when they will open their service.
Improving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is a key priority of Government.
Early learning and childcare capacity is increasing. Data from the Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2023/24 shows that the estimated number of enrolments increased by approximately 19% from the 2021/22 programme year. Core Funding application data shows that between Year 1 and Year 3 of the scheme, annual place hours increased by over 15%. The Tusla register of services demonstrates a net increase in the numbers of registered early learning and childcare services in 2024.
However, demand for early learning and childcare remains higher than available supply in certain parts of the country, particularly for younger children.
My Department continues to support the ongoing development and resourcing of Core Funding which has given rise to a significant expansion of places since the scheme was first introduced. Core Funding, which is in its third programme year, funds services based on the number of places available.
This provides stability to services, and reduces the risk associated with opening a new service or expanding an already existing service. For the current programme year, the allocation for Core Funding allows for a 6% increase in capacity. Additional funding was secured in Budget 2025 to facilitate a further 3.5% increase from September 2025, in the fourth programme year.
The Government is also supporting the expansion of capacity through capital funding. The Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme is designed to increase capacity in the 1–3-year-old, pre–Early Childhood Care and Education, age range for full day care. Core Funding partner services could apply for capital funding to physically extend their premises or to construct or purchase new premises.
50 applications will be progressing to the next stage of the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme. These 50 applications come from a mix of Community Extension (24), Private Extension (7), Community Purchasing (4) and Community Construction (15) projects, which, when completed, will deliver 1,500 additional full time childcare places for 1-3 year olds.
Four services in County Cork were approved for funding under the scheme. I look forward to seeing how these projects progress over the coming months.
A forward planning model is in development which will be central to my Department's plans to achieve the policy goals set out in the Programme for Government to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible early learning and care system, with State-led facilities adding capacity.
The Programme for Government commits for the first time to provide capital investment to build or purchase state-owned early learning and childcare facilities, to create additional capacity in areas where unmet need exists. State ownership of facilities is a very substantial and significant development and offers the potential for much greater scope to influence the nature and volume of provision available and to ensure better alignment with estimated demand.
Some early scoping work has been carried out to explore options to introduce a segment of public provision. More detailed and extensive policy development and design is ongoing in order progress to implementation stage, having regard to the wider emerging policy context as set out in the Programme for Government.
The approach to capital investment in future years is being considered within the context of the Programme for Government commitments and the revision to the National Development Plan which is ongoing. There has been a range of engagements at official and political level to inform the update National Development Plan between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. My officials and I are continuing to engage with colleagues across Government on the review.
