Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 February 2026
136. Deputy Naoise Ó Muirí asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will outline the funding allocated for childminding development grants; the number of applicants who will be supported; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13363/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Childminding Development Grant provides up to €1,000 to assist both registered and unregistered childminders who are providing a childminding service in their own homes. The grant aims to support childminders to enhance quality and safety in their service through the purchase of toys, childcare equipment, safety equipment, equipment to support inclusion and Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths (STEM) and the Arts education, as well as IT equipment to assist childminders to engage with training and registration processes. In 2025, the Department paid €413,338 to 415 childminders through the Childminding Development Grant.
The 2026 Childminding Development Grant opened for applications on 11 February, again providing up to €1,000 to assist registered and unregistered childminders, and will close for applications on 15 April. The total budget available for the grant in 2026 is €500,000.
The Grant scheme is open to all childminders, who are providing a childminding service in their own home. This includes registered childminders, those that are yet to register, and those who are planning to open a childminding business during 2026.
Applications to the Grant scheme are made at local level through the City and County Childcare Committees. Each City and County Childcare Committee employs a Childminding Development Officer, who provides a range of supports to local childminders, including providing information and support on the application process.
The City and County Childcare Committee contact details can be found online at:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/city-and-county-childcare-committees/
