Joanna Byrne
Ceist:164. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children currently on a waiting list in County Louth for early learning and childcare places. [6677/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 28 January 2026
Ceisteanna (164, 165)
Joanna Byrne
Ceist:165. Deputy Joanna Byrne asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of early learning and childcare places which are currently available in County Louth. [6678/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 and 165 together.
Each year, Pobal compiles data from Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) providers as part of the Early Years Sector Profile.
The most recent published capacity data for the 2024/25 programme year estimated that there were 4,024 children enrolled in ELC services in County Louth. This data also indicated that 31% had at least one vacant place and an estimated 46% had a waiting list. At the time of the survey, there were 102 ELC service providers in Louth that had a contract for at least one Department funded programme/scheme.
It is important to note that waiting list data should not be used as a measure of overall demand for ELC places. While waiting list data can be used to give an indication of demand for places for a given age group or service type there is no centralised waiting list, each waiting list is managed at service level; an individual child may be on multiple waiting lists in different services and may remain on one or multiple lists after taking up a place. Additionally, not all services operate a waiting list.
Further information can be found on the Early Learning and Childcare data website. The Capacity Section of the website provides information on the number of children enrolled, services with vacant places, and services with a waiting list.
Data from Tusla Early Years Inspectorate is also collated and verified on a rolling basis. The most recent data available, from the end of November 2025, shows there were 104 ELC services registered from county Louth with the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate.
Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 164.