Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2026
1019. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of applications which were made for sustainability funding for childcare services in financial difficulty; the level of funding that was made available each year for the past five years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12124/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraSustainability funding is not accessed through a direct application process. The Department oversees a case management process, through which local City and County Childcare Committee (CCCs) and Pobal work together to assess and provide support to all Core Funding Partner Services experiencing difficulties, and through which Sustainability Funding may be granted should the need arise.
Under the direction of the Department, Pobal co-ordinate the overall case management process with the CCC administering on-the-ground case management assistance. This can include help for services with completing and interpreting analysis of staff ratios and cash flow, as well as more specialised advice and support appropriate to individual circumstances.
In some instances, financial supports through Sustainability Funding may be appropriate, in tandem with this case management process. Pobal undertake a detailed financial review of any service wishing to access sustainability funding to assess their financial eligibility and need for funding. At the conclusion of this process, Pobal decide based on the funding criteria and the information gathered whether to recommend sustainability funding. These recommendations come to the Department for decision.
A total of €863,880 sustainability funding has been approved since 2021. Please see a breakdown of each year’s overall budget and spend below in tabular form.
Sustainability Funding
|
Year |
Budget |
Spend |
Number of services that received funding |
|
2021 |
€2,200,000 |
€41,352 |
3 |
|
2022 |
€2,150,000 |
€42,090 |
2 |
|
2023 |
€1,778,000 |
€69,173 |
4 |
|
2024 |
€1,565,000 |
€285,795 |
16 |
|
2025 |
€1,275,000 |
€136,134 |
10 |
Sustainability Funding for Emergency Capital Works
|
Year |
Budget |
Spend |
Number of services that received funding |
|
2025 |
€1,100,000 |
€289,336 |
7 |
It should be noted that while some services do not meet the eligibility requirements for Sustainability Funding, all ineligible services can continue to avail of the non-financial supports through the Case Management Process should they choose to. If a services circumstances change, they may be re-assessed for Sustainability Funding and can seek this through their CCC.
If any service has viability concerns, the Department encourages them to reach out to their local CCC to start availing of supports through the case management process.
