Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 December 2025
85. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the plans to increase public funding for early learning and care and school-age care to bring it up to the same level as other countries in the EU. [73264/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirst 5, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families, 2019-2028, set a target of doubling the level of public investment in early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) from €485 million in 2018 to €970 million by 2028. This initial investment target was exceeded 5 years ahead of time at €1.025 billion in 2023. The First 5 Implementation Plan 2023-2025 then set a new target that between 2023 and 2028 Ireland will work to close the existing gap in public investment in ELC against the EU average.
Budget 2026 continues to improve on investment for ELC and SAC with funding amounting to €1.537 billion provided for 2026. This will represent an increase of €163 million, or 12%, in 2026 compared to Budget 2025. The budget increase will support a range of measures to strengthen affordability for parents, facilitate capacity growth and quality improvements within the sector, and provide additional support for children who are experiencing disadvantage.
The most recent increases in public investment in ELC in Ireland are not reflected in comparative international statistics. The most recent international comparisons available relate to 2022. In 2022, the average public expenditure on ELC in EU countries was 0.68% GDP. In comparison, public spending on ELC and SAC in Ireland in 2022 amounted to 0.14% GDP or 0.27% GNI*, rising to 0.20% GDP or 0.35% GNI* in 2024. While the figures for Ireland and the EU average are not directly comparable, and the level of public spending in Ireland has more than doubled in nominal terms since 2022, the figures suggest the level of investment remains below the EU average.
Shaping the Future, the Early Years Action Plan, Phase 1 Report, sets out the Government’s approach to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible ELC and SAC system. It adopts a phased approach that allows for rapid action to improve affordability, accessibility and quality, while also ensuring adequate time for a broad public consultation. Phase 2 actions will be published later in 2026, following completion of the public consultation process.
In examining the need for additional investment in the sector during Phase 2, care will be needed to ensure continued strong financial controls and effective use of public funding. Phase 2 actions will also involve careful consideration of delivery costs and will be subject to ongoing review through the annual Budget Estimates process.
