Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 November 2025
549. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she has met with representative bodies for private childcare providers in recent months to discuss concerns regarding staffing costs, administrative burden, and funding adequacy under the core funding scheme; the outcomes of those engagements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65053/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently established an Early Learning and Childcare Provider Consultative Forum, to build on the Department’s strong commitment to, and track record in, engaging with stakeholders in the sector through the Department’s advisory, oversight, consultation and research processes.
The Forum will discuss policy and operational issues relating to the provision of early learning and childcare services and has the following objectives:
• To share information from the Early Learning and Childcare Division of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and other relevant Departments and Agencies, including specific initiatives under consideration/development on supporting quality, accessible and affordable early learning and childcare as they relate to providers.
• To provide members with an opportunity to feedback this information to their own members, where relevant.
• To provide members with an opportunity to share information updates to the Forum.
• To provide an opportunity to seek the views of members on relevant policies and programme issues.
The Term of Reference for the Forum will be published on the Department’s website along with membership details. Minutes of meetings will be uploaded once agreed.
This Forum has met twice to date, on 17 September and 5 November. The agenda for the meeting of 5 November covered a range of issues, including Core Funding, Garda Vetting, Pension Auto-Enrolment and Commercial Rates for ECCE Services.
