Written Answers Nos. 861-881
861. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason no deputy chair has been appointed to the Adoption Authority of Ireland; when an appointment will be made; her views on the impact of an absence of a deputy chair in the context of the operation and governance of the authority; and when this appointment will be made. [5903/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe campaign to fill the vacancies for chairperson, deputy chairperson and five ordinary members of the board of the Adoption Authority of Ireland was managed by State Boards, which is part of the Public Appointments Service. State Boards recommended a number of candidates for consideration for appointment to the board. Six appointments were made from the shortlist of candidates - including the chairperson, Mr. John McDaid and five ordinary members of the board, Mr. Colin Fallon, Dr. Sheila Greene, Ms. Geraldine Keehan, Dr. Valerie O’Brien and Dr. Ciara O’Rafferty. As the State Boards' process did not identify a suitable candidate for the position of deputy chairperson, it was not possible to make an appointment. A further process to identify and appoint a suitable candidate for the position of deputy chairperson is underway.
The absence of a deputy chairperson in the short term should not impact negatively on the operation or governance of the Authority. The chairperson and other board members have been carrying out their functions effectively since their first meeting on 8 December 2025.
862. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether the position of chief executive officer of the Adoption Authority of Ireland has been advertised; if not, the reason for the delay; and when the recruitment process to commence and be completed. [5904/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to inform the Deputy that the appointment of a chief executive officer is a matter for the Adoption Authority of Ireland. Department officials have asked the Authority to respond directly to you on this matter.
864. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the development of the new forward planning model within her Department for early learning and childcare; whether any outputs or findings from the models' mapping of supply and demand are available at this stage; if such information can be shared by county or local area; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5916/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is a key priority of Government.
Overall, early learning and childcare capacity is increasing. Data from the Annual Early Years Sector Profile in 2025 shows that the estimated number of enrolments has increased by 25% in the past three years. However, it appears that demand for Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare remains higher than available supply in certain parts of the country, particularly for younger children .
The Forward Planning and Delivery Unit is pursuing an ambitious programme of work to identify areas of need, forecast demand, and deliver public supply within the childcare sector where required.
A forward planning model is central to this Department's plans to achieve the policy goals set out in the Programme for Government to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible early childhood education and care system, with State-led facilities adding capacity.
The first stage of development of the forward planning model is nearing completion. The model seeks to identify the nature and volume of different types of early learning and childcare places across the country and how that aligns with the numbers of children in the corresponding age cohorts at local area level. An extensive data analysis and cleaning exercise has been undertaken to map available publicly subsidised supply. This involved combining data from multiple administrative sources, including child population data, using GIS (Geographical Information System) mapping tools.
Work is continuing on the next stages of development of the Forward Planning Model, which will incorporate future demographic trends and new housing developments, among other features.
The analysis of the Forward Planning model provides a key input into the approach to the capital programme to be resourced through the allocation in the revised National Development Plan 2026-30.
The Forward Planning model has been designed primarily as a tool for internal analysis. The maps and data that the model produces contain protected categories of data and will therefore not be made generally available in full. As the model is further developed along with accompanying policy work related to supply, aggregated statistics, including statistics broken down by geographical area, may be made available if this is deemed compliant with data protection obligations.
Current data on childcare capacity at county level is available at [www.pobal.ie/childcare/capacity/].
865. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether, once areas of high unmet demand for early learning and childcare have been identified through her Department's forward planning work, if her Department will engage locally to identify suitable vacant or under-utilised childcare premises for potential State acquisition or use; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5917/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra866. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to progress with State-led acquisition of childcare facilities; whether areas of high unmet demand will first be identified through forward planning and suitable premises identified thereafter, or whether identification of demand and buildings will proceed concurrently; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5918/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra867. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether the number of approved but vacant childcare facilities in an area will be taken into account in decision-making on forward planning and State-led acquisition of childcare infrastructure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5919/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 865, 866 and 867 together.
I recently announced €135 million in capital funding over the coming five years for State-led services to provide high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with the investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for this government. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements of specific projects. This Department will work with not-for-profit providers to design, open and operate services.
Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year and deliver an estimate 800 new places. The State-led initiative will enable the delivery of thousands of places up to 2030 using the €135 million provided in the National Development Plan.
The level of investment will ramp up over the lifetime of the Government. The initial approach is on purchasing and refurbishment of buildings given that this is a faster route to delivery in the short term. However, the option of building new facilities will also be considered over subsequent years.
To assess potential sites, a Forward Planning Model has been developed within the Department. The model seeks to identify the nature and volume of different types of early learning and childcare places across the country and how that aligns with the numbers of children in the corresponding age cohorts at local area level.
As well as the Forward Planning Model, a suite of appraisal criteria and tools have been developed in order to assess the alignment of sites with Departmental goals of promoting quality, inclusion, accessibility and affordability as well as other programme objectives.
The capital programme will deliver additional supply of high-quality and accessible early learning and childcare to address deficits in capacity, particularly for younger children and in disadvantaged/rural areas, and in line with public management policy goals. The analysis of the Forward Planning model will provide a key input into the approach to the capital programme.
Local City and County Childcare Committees will be supporting the development of projects so in the first instance, community early learning and childcare operators, local authorities, developers, or others who might have a suitable premises or project should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee, whose details can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees/.
868. Deputy Shane Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the timeline her Department envisages from identification of areas of high unmet demand for childcare provision to the provision of fully operational places under a State-led acquisition model; the way in which her Department plans to ensure timely delivery for families in those areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5920/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced €135 million of capital investment over the coming five years for State-led services to provide high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with the acquisition of buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative.
Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year. The State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030.
The level of investment will ramp up over the lifetime of the Government. The initial approach is on purchasing and refurbishment of buildings given that this is a faster route to delivery in the short term. However, the option of building new facilities will also be considered over subsequent years.
The capital programme has six objectives, one of these is to ensure cost-effectiveness and timeliness of delivery. All projects will be assessed against this objective. Timelines for individual projects will vary and I recognise the importance of timely delivery under this programme.
The Department is assessing sites and buildings which align with the goals of the programme and, where required, will seek expressions of interest from operators to deliver these State-led services.
Local City and County Childcare Committees will be supporting the development of projects so in the first instance, community early learning and childcare operators, local authorities, developers, or others who might have a suitable premises or project should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee, whose details can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees/.
869. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if Boyle, County Roscommon will be considered for a State-led childcare facility given serious need has already been evidenced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5937/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is a key priority of Government.
€135 million in capital investment has been made available under the National Development Plan to deliver State-led services which will support high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare. Investment will be focused on areas and provision types of greatest need, including rural and disadvantaged areas and full-day places for younger children.
The State-led capital programme is set to commence in 2026. The Department is now beginning to assess sites/buildings with the help of the forward planning model in order to identify which are best placed to deliver on the goals of the programme.
The forward planning model maps publicly-subsidised provision by service type and age group of children against the numbers of children in the corresponding age bracket in the local area and allows for granular and specific analysis to be undertaken about alignment of supply and demand.
In addition to the forward planning model, a suite of other appraisal tools have been developed to inform the selection of projects in alignment with the programme objectives.
Local City and County Childcare Committees are supporting the development of projects so in the first instance, community early learning and childcare operators, local authorities, developers, or others who might have a suitable premises or project should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee, whose details can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees/.
Up to eight capital projects will be selected under the programme in 2026. No final decisions have yet been made on the specific projects but I look forward to sharing details of projects as they are agreed.
870. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether, under the new State-led, not-for-profit childcare facilities plan, her Department would consider purchasing a childcare facility which is to be built shortly by a developer at Castlefield Hall, Dublin 15. [5940/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is a key priority of Government.
As announced last week, €135 million in funding will be made available for the State-led Early Learning and Childcare Capital Programme to enable the provision of high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare.
The process will begin in 2026 with capital funding used to acquire and/or fit out building depending on, depending on requirements of specific projects. The Department will work with not-for-profit providers to design, open and operate services.
Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year, with the initiative providing thousands of places up to 2030 using the investment provided through the National Development Plan.
Local City and County Childcare Committees supporting the development of projects so in the first instance, community early learning and childcare operators, local authorities, developers, or others who might have a suitable premises or project should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee, whose details can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees/.
To assess the extent of need in the areas surrounding potential sites, a Forward Planning Model has been developed within the Department. The model seeks to identify the nature and volume of different types of early learning and childcare places across the country and how that aligns with the numbers of children in the corresponding age cohorts at local area level.
As well as the Forward Planning Model, a suite of appraisal criteria and tools have been developed in order to assess the alignment of sites with Departmental goals of promoting quality, inclusion, accessibility and affordability.
871. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether HIQA has the authority to approve the removal of a person with a disability from a community-based living arrangement without their consent; whether this practice has been examined for compliance with Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which protects the right to live independently and be included in the community; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5941/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to supporting people with disabilities through the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (known as the UNCRPD).
The Health and Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is an independent statutory authority under the aegis of the Department of Health, which was established to drive continuous improvement in Ireland’s health and personal social care services, to monitor the quality of these services and promote person-centred care for the benefit of the public.
The Health Act 2007 provided for the establishment of HIQA, its inspection and regulation of designated centres and the framework for registration of these designated centres. Since November 2013, all designated centres for people with disabilities, both children and adults, must be registered with HIQA.
The Health Act 2007 (amended) and the associated regulations set out the framework for the regulation of designated centres for people with disabilities and include the requirements that providers must meet in order to ensure safe, good quality care and support to people with disabilities who live under their care.
HIQA engages directly with service providers to ensure compliance with the regulatory framework for designated centres for people with disabilities services, taking a graduated and proportionate response to areas requiring improvement. The Health Act 2007 (as amended) empowers the Chief Inspector, a statutory officer within the Authority, to carry out this function through the processes of registration, continual monitoring and inspection and, where necessary, the application of its powers of enforcement. HIQA carries out inspections to assess compliance with the Health Act 2007 (as amended), and relevant regulations.
However, HIQA states that ‘The Chief Inspector of Social Services does not have the statutory powers, or remit, to direct or approve the removal of a resident from a registered designated centre.
Under the Health Act 2007 and the associated regulations, the provider has responsibility for the safe and appropriate admission, discharge and transfer of residents, and for ensuring that the needs of residents can be met within the residential service. Providers must demonstrate they have the capacity to meet the assessed needs of the residents they support.
If a HIQA inspector finds that a residents’ needs are not being met, the inspector requires the provider to take action to address the situation. Any action the provider takes must respect the rights of the resident’.
872. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of residential disability service places which are planned to be provided by a service (details supplied) in 2026 and 2027 respectively, in view of the increased funding provided under the HSE Service Plan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5943/26]
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.
873. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to expedite and assessment of need (details supplied) waiting 36-months in Cavan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5991/26]
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.
874. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide a full outline of the expected timescale, funding allocation and criteria that will determine where new State-provided creche buildings will be built or bought (details supplied); if those creches will be owned and operated by the State or leased to community providers; and the way this initiative will address long waiting lists and childcare shortages across the country, particularly in rural areas where access to childcare has historically lagged. [6021/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently announced €135 million in capital investment in buildings for high-quality, accessible State-led early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with the acquisition of buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for this government. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements.
Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year and the State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030 using the €135 million provided in the National Development Plan.
The level of investment will ramp up over the lifetime of the Government. The initial approach is on purchasing and refurbishment of buildings given that this is a faster route to delivery in the short term. However, the option of building new facilities will also be considered over subsequent years.
The objectives of the capital programme are as follows:
Objective 1: Deliver additional publicly subsidised supply for Early Learning and Care where required, with a focus on places for 1- to 3-year-olds and sufficient places for children to age up in the same service.
Objective 2: Deliver additional supply where required in areas of disadvantage and rural areas.
Objective 3: Ensure all supply delivered is inclusive and high quality.
Objective 4: Deliver supply in appropriate locations, taking account of accessibility for parents, links with other relevant services/amenities, appropriate land-use, and spatial planning goals.
Objective 5: Ensure cost-effectiveness and timeliness of delivery.
Objective 6: Support improved public management of the ELC sector as a whole.
A suite of appraisal tools have been developed, including a forward planning model, in order to select projects that align with these objectives.
This Department is assessing sites and buildings and, where required, will seek expressions of interest from operators to deliver these State-led services.
875. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if Ballyvourney, County Cork will be included in the current plans for building or purchasing childcare premises: if not, the specific actions and timelines her Department will commit to in order to deliver a creche service for families in Ballyvourney; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6022/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving 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 substantially, enrolments have grown by 25% in the past three years. However there remain challenges for some families in accessing the type of service that they wish to in certain parts of the country, particularly for younger children.
A forward planning model has been developed by officials in the Department of Children, Disability and Equality to better understand the nature of supply/demand misalignment and to inform decision making about capital investment.
A new State-led capital programme is set to commence in 2026. The programme will make available €135 million over the coming five years for investment in buildings to enable the delivery of State-led early learning and childcare services.
The Department is now beginning to assess project options in order to identify which are best placed to deliver on the goals of the programme.
Local City and County Childcare Committees will be supporting the development of projects so in the first instance, community early learning and childcare operators, local authorities, developers, or others who might have a suitable premises or project should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee, whose details can be found [here].
876. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if her attention has been drawn to concerns related to the lack of time flexibility in the national childcare scheme; the actions she will take to ensure greater flexibility for families in terms of collection times and set hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6027/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMany families avail of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) as a way to reduce the cost of their early learning and childcare. NCS subsidies are awarded as an hourly rate, along with a maximum number of weekly hours that the subsidy will be paid for. It is between the parent and provider to agree on the hours of childcare based on the family's requirements and what sessions the provider can offer.
The accurate recording of a child’s attendance is a core obligation under the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016 for early years providers and is one of the conditions set out in the NCS funding agreement.
This said, the rules of the Scheme are designed to be very flexible. Children can under-attend services for a consecutive 12 weeks before action is taken. The Department recognises that there are many reasons why a child’s attendance may be occasionally less than their agreed hours. For instance, a parent may be able to collect their child earlier than usual because of changes in their work pattern. It is only if continual under-attendance is recorded for a consecutive 12 weeks that the award will be revised to reflect the child’s actual hours.
In full detail, if a child attends fewer than their agreed hours for a consecutive 8 week period, the provider must notify the scheme administrator and a warning will issue to the parent alerting them to the situation. At this point, if the child attends their agreed hours for a full week after this warning is issued, then no further action is taken. However, if the under-attendance continues for a further four consecutive weeks, the number of subsidised hours awarded under the Scheme will be revised to reflect the average number of hours that were actually attended by the child over the previous 12-week period.
This is a key financial and governance control to ensure that Exchequer funding is used responsibly, and not to fund full-time places in respect of a child actually attending part-time hours.
Finally, I would note that the Department will soon commence an evaluation of the NCS. This will include consultation and engagement with parents, educators and representative organisations. This evaluation will examine how the NCS is performing currently and identify ways in which the NCS can better support families. As part of this evaluation, the hours-based model of the NCS will be reviewed.
877. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding any review of the national childcare scheme to ensure that it is working for as many families as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6028/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn evaluation of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is due to commence in the coming weeks. This review will assess the performance of the Scheme to date and its operation within the wider early learning and childcare funding and policy environment. A Request for Tender for the evaluation was published in November 2025. A tenderer has been selected, and further details will be provided in the coming weeks.
The evaluation will examine whether the NCS, as part of the wider funding model, is making high-quality early learning and childcare more accessible and affordable, particularly for families in the lowest income groups and the most disadvantaged households.
It will also identify any improvements that could be made to enhance accessibility and affordability and to ensure that the Scheme is working for as many families as possible.
The findings of the evaluation will inform potential enhancements to the National Childcare Scheme to continue to support families with the cost of early learning and childcare, in line with Shaping the Future the recently published Early Years Action Plan.
878. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding the ongoing engagement she is having with childcare providers in relation to the administration of the national childcare scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6029/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSimplify and Support was launched on the 17th December 2025, this Action Plan has been informed by an independent review by Indecon Economic Consultants and as well as regional consultation events attended by over 400 stakeholders last year.
Its development was supported by a Working Group of officials from the Department, City/County Childcare Committees and Pobal and an Advisory Group of provider, educator/practitioner and parent representatives.
It delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to reduce the administrative burden on early learning and childcare providers. This Action Plan responds to these issues by setting out the steps to be taken- in the short, medium and long term - to reduce administration and simplify regulatory requirements in this sector.
The Action Plan commits to the introduction of a long term chick for the NCS. It also commits to develop of a single set of comprehensive regulations covering all centre-based services, to develop a Single Compliance Framework for all early learning and childcare funded programmes and schemes, the consolidation of AIM, AIM Plus and AIM Non-Term application into one application and to delivering phased upgrades to the existing system (the HIVE) and other key systems.
The Department will hold overall responsibility for the Action Plan but will be establishing a Cross Sectoral Group in the coming months to provide oversight, in continued collaboration with key stakeholders. A Mid-Term Review will be conducted in 2028 to assess progress, and an Evaluation will be completed in 2030 to assess long-term impacts
I have also 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. Under the Terms of Reference the Early Learning and Childcare Provider Consultative Forum discusses policy and operational issues relating to the provision of early learning and childcare services. The Forum informs members of early learning and childcare developments and invites the views, concerns and suggestions from providers, as appropriate. Meetings were held on 17 Sept 2025 and 5 November 2025.
The Department will soon commence an evaluation of the NCS. This will include consultation and engagement with parents, educators, practitioners, providers and representative organisations. This evaluation will examine how the NCS is performing currently and identify ways in which the NCS can better support families. As part of this evaluation, the hours-based model of the NCS will be reviewed.
The administrator for the scheme is Pobal. For specific queries, the local City and County Childcare Committee and Parent Support Centre are able to provide further assistance
879. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an update on the publication of the Plan of Action to deliver the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6059/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing on from the launch and publication of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 in September 2025, I am delighted to report that the First Programme Plan of Action was published on in December 2025. This is available to download at gov.ie
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/national-human-rights-strategy-for-disabled-people-2025-2030-formats
It is the first of a total of three two-year Programme Plans of Action that will guide the Strategy’s implementation over the next five years, ensuring dynamic, agile and effective delivery of commitments and priority actions across the five core thematic pillars of the Strategy.
Covering the period to the end of this year, the First Programme Plan of Action clearly sets out how the priority actions under each commitment will be delivered by various lead government departments and public bodies, the timeframe for delivery and the success indicators by which performance will be measured. Progress for each commitment will be reported on to the Delivery and Monitoring Committee, chaired by an Taoiseach, on a biannual basis.
In keeping with the whole-of-government approach set out in the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, I look forward to working with colleagues across government in ensuring that the priority actions that fall under the remit of responsible government departments and public bodies will be delivered in the manner set out in the First Programme Plan of Action 2025-2026.
880. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to examine the possible long-term lease of a property in County Kerry (details supplied) for the purpose of bespoke accommodation for minors/underage persons; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6100/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to operational information regarding Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, the question has been referred to the Agency to reply directly to the Deputy.
881. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will address matters regarding childcare shortages, workforce exclusion, and a vacant creche raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6101/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving 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 shows that the estimated number of enrolments increased by 25% between 2022 and 2025. However, it appears that demand for early learning and childcare remains higher than available supply in certain parts of the country, particularly for younger children.
As announced last week, €135 million will be made available for the State-led Early Learning and Childcare Capital Programme, providing high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare.
The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements. The Department will work with not-for-profit providers to design, open and operate services.
Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year. The State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030 using the €135 million provided in the National Development Plan.
Local City and County Childcare Committees will be supporting the development of projects so in the first instance, community early learning and childcare operators, local authorities, developers, or others who might have a suitable premises or project should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee, whose details can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees/.
To assess potential sites, a Forward Planning Model has been developed within the Department. The model seeks to identify the nature and volume of different types of early learning and childcare places across the country and how that aligns with the numbers of children in the corresponding age cohorts at local area level. An extensive data analysis and cleaning exercise has been undertaken to map available publicly-subsidised supply.
As well as the Forward Planning Model, a suite of appraisal criteria and tools have been developed in order to assess potential the alignment of projects with Departmental goals of promoting quality, inclusion, accessibility and affordability.
The Department intends to work with not-for-profit operators in the sector in order to operationalise State-led services. Potential operators may be required to undergo governance checks, demonstrate their capacity to run the size of service required, demonstrate their ability to manage the fit out construction of the building and other selection processes as may be appropriate in individual projects.
The State-led Early Learning and Childcare Capital Programme is set to commence in 2026. The Department will begin assessing sites/buildings in order to identify which are best placed to deliver on the goals of the programme. Where required, the Department will begin publicising sites and seeking expressions of interest from operators to carry out fit-out and delivery.
