Martin Kenny
Ceist:842. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the progress in increasing the budget for the CAP post-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15186/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraCommon Agricultural Policy
Ceisteanna (842)
Freagraí scríofa
The overall budget for the Common Agricultural Policy post-2027 will form part of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework, which is negotiated at EU level by Finance Ministers and, ultimately, agreed by Heads of State. In Ireland, the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs lead on these negotiations, in close consultation with my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach.
Since the publication of the Commission’s proposals, Ireland has been engaging actively and constructively at EU level. I have consistently emphasised the importance of securing a CAP that is adequately funded and capable of supporting viable farm incomes, food security, generational renewal and resilient rural communities, while enabling farmers to meet environmental and climate commitments in a practical way.
I have raised serious concerns regarding the scale of the proposed reduction in the ring-fenced CAP budget, particularly in the context of rising input costs, market volatility and increasing expectations on farmers.
While discussions are still at an early stage, I will continue to strongly advocate for a well-resourced CAP post-2027 that reflects Ireland’s national circumstances, and the central role of agriculture in ensuring Europe’s food security and rural vitality.
Child Protection
Ceisteanna (843)
Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Ceist:843. Deputy Paul Nicholas Gogarty asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will support the establishment of an independent Child Death Review mechanism; if she accepts that the absence of such a mechanism has contributed to the difficulties now faced by a person (details supplied). [14520/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The death of a child, whether at home, in care, known to state services or in aftercare, is a tragic event that deeply affects family, friends, carers and staff connected to the child and local communities. When tragic events occur, Tusla works with the families and provides emotional or psychological supports from internal or external sources as appropriate. Legal supports may also be provided through the Legal Aid Board, and Tusla continues its engagement with families, providing financial or other supports.
In circumstances where families are affected by the death or another serious incident involving a child known to or in the care of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, such cases are notified to the National Review Panel (NRP). This is a standard process, as set out in the operational guidance, published by the then Department of Children in August 2021.
The NRP is independent in the performance of its functions, making findings of fact and producing reports that are objective and independent of Tusla. The NRP produces reports that are factually based and identify points of learning to improve services provided to children and families.
Since its establishment the NRP has played a critical role in identifying systemic issues, obstacles to good practice, and areas for learning to improve services. It is my intention to strengthen the work of the NRP, by providing a legislative basis for the NRP to conduct its work. This will ensure that the NRP can readily access the information it needs to undertake reviews, and ensure that it has a strong governance basis upon which to operate.
I welcomed the publication, in April last year, of the Ombudsman for Children’s report entitled Child Death Review: The Case for a National Statutory Review Mechanism for the Deaths of Children in Ireland.
I am conscious however that the data outlined in the report highlights that deaths of children in care are a small subset of the overall number of child deaths occurring in the State. Engagement with colleagues across Government to identify the most appropriate lead organisation continues.
Disabilities Assessments
Ceisteanna (844, 899)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:844. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the process for a person currently awaiting assessment of need once they turn 18. [14961/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas Gould
Ceist:899. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether an assessment of need that commences when a person is 17, but has not concluded, can continue once they turn 18. [14960/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 844 and 899 together.
Under the Disability Act, an Assessment of Need is an assessment process carried out by the HSE where a person is of the opinion that they may have a disability. It first establishes whether the person has a disability (as defined within the Act). It then identifies the health and education needs of the person with a disability and the services required to meet those needs.
Any person born on or after June 1st 2002 is eligible to apply for an Assessment of Need under Part 2 of the Disability Act (2005) regardless of their age at the time of application. The application and following process is the same for any eligible applicant, and assessments and reports will continue to progress to completion unless consent is withdrawn by the family or applicant.
I must emphasise that children do not require an Assessment of Need to access health services, including Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams or mental health services. However, demand for AON has increased significantly in recent years. This reflects both the increase in population and families exploring all options to access services for their child.
This government recognises that delays faced by for families in accessing Assessments of Need are unacceptable, and there has been intensive work by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the HSE to address this.
The provision of an effective and efficient Assessment of Need system continues to be a priority for the Government.
Child Protection
Ceisteanna (845, 888, 889, 890, 891)
Ken O'Flynn
Ceist:845. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department formally reviewed the 2023 University College Dublin report on sexual exploitation risks for children in residential and emergency care; the status of its recommendations (including how many were accepted, implemented or remain outstanding); the policy or regulatory changes which have been made in response; whether national policy on absconding from care includes mandatory consideration of sexual exploitation risk; and the ministerial briefings or actions which have arisen since 2021 in relation to links between absconding and sexual exploitation. [15730/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:888. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department has prepared a formal implementation plan, action tracker, or recommendation matrix in response to the 2023 University College Dublin report entitled “Protecting Against Predators: A Scoping Study on the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Young People in Ireland”; if so, the date on which it was approved; whether it assigns responsibility, timelines, and measurable outputs; and if she will publish the document.. [14717/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:889. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide a numbered breakdown of each recommendation contained in the 2023 University College Dublin report on sexual exploitation risks in residential and emergency care; to state, in respect of each recommendation, whether it has been accepted in full, accepted in principle, rejected, or remains under consideration; the implementation status of each; and the reason any recommendation has not yet been implemented. [14718/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:890. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether a formal cross-departmental or inter-agency oversight group was established to coordinate the State response to the 2023 University College Dublin report; if so, the date of establishment, its chairing authority, the Departments and agencies represented, the number of meetings held to date, and whether minutes or progress reports are maintained by her Department. [14719/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraKen O'Flynn
Ceist:891. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether compliance with any policy or procedural changes arising from the 2023 University College Dublin report is subject to formal monitoring or audit; whether such monitoring forms part of a centrally approved governance framework within her Department; and to outline the performance indicators or reporting mechanisms used to assess implementation. [14720/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 845, 888, 889, 890 and 891 together.
On the 22nd of June 2023, the UCD Sexual Exploitation Research Programme (SERP) published a report, “Protecting Against Predators: A Scoping Study on the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Young People in Ireland.’ This scoping report sought to establish the level of awareness of child sexual abuse amongst key stakeholders from across a variety of sectors.
The Department and Tusla continue to take the issue of potential child sexual exploitation very seriously and are committed to promoting safe and high-quality practice in all areas of alternative care, including working with An Garda Síochána and other bodies as required.
It should be noted that this report was not commissioned by the Department or Tusla, however, Officials in the Department reviewed the findings and recommendations of the report immediately following its publication, in the context of wider consideration of the issue of child sexual abuse, exploitation and trafficking.
Officials and their counterparts in Tusla continue to work closely on the safeguarding framework for all children in care to ensure that it continues to be sufficiently robust to protect children from evolving risks.
Prior to the publication of the report, the Department and Tusla established a Working Group looking at institutional and organisational abuse. It was decided that external research was required to provide the Working Group with definitional clarification of abuse categories. The contract was awarded to an external research provider in January 2024. This report will shortly be published on Tusla’s website. Tusla will now move onto next stage of developing procedures/a guide to address the key issue of how best to respond to organisational/organised abuse. As part of this process, if gaps are identified that Tusla cannot address within existing powers, they will highlight these to the Department. The report will also be taken into account as relevant to Department’s review of Children First National Guidance.
The Department did not establish a new cross-departmental or inter-agency oversight group to coordinate the State response to the SERP report, given the existence of the previously mentioned working group.
The recommendations in the SERP report cover the areas of policy, training, resourcing, education and research. They also cut across a number of bodies, namely the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Department of Education and Youth, An Garda Síochána, Tusla and HIQA. All of these organisations are currently progressing work in these areas. As such, no new implementation plan was developed.
In addition, I can advise the Deputy that following the publication of the SERP report:
• The previous Minister engaged with the authors of the report, and officials have engaged with Tusla to ensure that any child protection concerns outlined in the report are being followed up, including in respect of any necessary reports to An Garda Síochána.
• Tusla has liaised with An Gardaí Síochána in relation to the findings of the report.
• All staff in residential centres for the care of children have undergone Children First training, which provides guidance for the protection and welfare of children.
• A Principal Social Worker from Tusla has been seconded to the Garda National Protective Service Bureau (GNPSB) for a number of years.
• Tusla has established an anti-trafficking working group in readiness for the Department of Justice's National Action Plan for Human Trafficking which includes the area of child sexual exploitation.
• The Department is leading an inter-departmental group on the national implementation of Barnahus, which is a multi-agency approach to the provision of forensic medical intervention and therapeutic services to children subject to child sexual abuse.
• As part of “Operation Cosnaím” all concerns of suspected child trafficking and/or child sexual exploitation regarding a child who is in the care of Tusla, must be notified to a centralised point in the Garda National Protective Services Bureau. Tusla responds to all reports of sexual abuse promptly to ensure children are safeguarded. An Garda Síochána will deal with any criminal aspects of cases alleging abuse under the relevant criminal justice legislation.
• Tusla has partnered with MECPATHS, a non - profit organisation which focuses specifically on the issue of child trafficking in Ireland. MECPATHS has been delivering ‘Hidden in Plain Sight (HIPS): Shining a light on Child Trafficking in Ireland’ training to Tusla since late 2022. This collaboration is intended to raise awareness and provide front-line staff across Tusla services with training on Child Trafficking in Ireland, thus increasing the agency’s capacity to respond to this evolving area of need. To date over 900 staff, including those working in Residential Care, Fostering and Adoption, intake and duty, and the Unaccompanied Minors and Separated Children’s Team (SCSIP Service) have participated in MECPATHS workshops. This training continues in 2026.
• The Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Act 2024 places the identification and protection of victims of human trafficking on statutory footing and expands the number of bodies that can identify a victim beyond An Garda Síochána. Presently, An Garda Síochána are the only statutory Competent Authority. Tusla continues to work with Department of Justice and others on preparing for the implementation of the Act and the upcoming National Referral Mechanism which will see Tusla acquire new legal duties and responsibilities under its function as a Competent Authority. Other Competent Authorities will include the An Garda Síochána, Health Service Executive, Workplace Relations Commission, Department of Justice and others.
Special Educational Needs
Ceisteanna (846)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:846. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will clarify the position of parents in a situation (details supplied); and if the approach taken is consistent with Government policy. [13994/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Government is aware of the case which the Deputy has mentioned. In order to protect the privacy of the family, it is not appropriate to comment the specific details in relation to this case. The HSE has assured the Department of Children, Disability and Equality that the case is being responded to locally, and that relevant service providers have been engaging directly with the family in question. As your question is specifically in relation to a letter issued by the HSE, officials in the Department of Children, Disability and Equality sought an update from the HSE.
HSE South West has a duty to protect the privacy of everyone who uses HSE services and cannot comment on individual cases. The HSE is aware of the case you mention and is in close contact with the family. The HSE cannot disclose the details of the correspondence without the express consent of the recipient. The HSE advise that the correspondence which the Deputy refers to was part of a more detailed letter outlining available supports and options to the family. HSE South West did not intend to cause any upset and apologises sincerely for any upset caused.
HSE South West teams work to engage openly with all patients and service users, communicating with care and respect. The Your Service Your Say feedback mechanism at hse.ie/yoursay is available to anyone engaging with the HSE who wishes to highlight an issue or difficulty.
HSE South West Disability Services provide supports for people with complex disability needs and the level of support provided for each person is aligned to their assessed needs and individual circumstances.
Specialist disability services focus on providing supports to people with more complex disabilities, to complement the mainstream health and social care services provided to people with disabilities alongside the rest of the population.
The HSE advise that it is important that an individual with a disability or their advocate/carer make contact with their local HSE Disability Manager and local authority with a view towards discussing housing or social housing supports required to meet individual circumstances.
Services focus on supporting and enabling people with disabilities to maximise their full potential, as independently as possible. Current policies are based on the principles of person centredness to ensure insofar as possible that the supports for a person are based on individual assessed need, will and preference and to support people to remain as close to home and connected to their community as possible.
In addition to residential services, there are other measures available to support people with disabilities and their families and carers, including day services, respite services, home support and personal assistance.
Unfortunately, the demand for residential placements across both Cork and Kerry continues to exceed available capacity; there are approximately 600 people requiring residential services in HSE South West. Decisions regarding the allocation of available placements are informed by the prioritisation of assessed clinical needs, the complexity of cases, and the support needs of applicants, as well as compatibility with existing residents and the funding available. HSE South West Disability Services recognise the impact this has on people and their families, and are actively working to address this need, by engaging with multiple service providers to build additional capacity.
The Programme for Government commits to develop a multi-year capital plan for investment in residential and independent living options for both adults and children, and to tackle waiting lists for specialist disability services by implementation of the Action Plan for Disability Services 2024-6, and resourcing and delivering on its targets.
In addition to funding ongoing residential placements for almost 9000 current residents, €65m has been allocated to Disability Residential Services in 2026 for new developments, which includes €40m of funding that will provide in the region of 199 residential responses. This includes 72 new planned placements and 80 new unplanned urgent placements, a total of 152 new placements, as outlined in the HSE’s National Service Plan for 2026.
HSE South West remains committed to improving access to residential services and welcomes the commitment in Budget 2026 to fund planned residential placements. HSE South West will work with providers in the region to increase the availability of residential placements in Cork and Kerry.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (847)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:847. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 2413 of 13 January 2026, if she will review correspondence (details supplied); if she will address the concerns raised therein; if she will respond to the specific questions outlined; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14000/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (848)
Malcolm Byrne
Ceist:848. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the total number of buildings leased by her Department, or bodies or agencies under its aegis, during 2025; the total cumulative sum paid under these leases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14013/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy on this matter as soon as possible.
Flood Relief Schemes
Ceisteanna (849)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:849. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to provide an exhaustive list of flood related compensation, paid from vote allocations over the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14096/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department has no record of flood related compensation payments in the last ten years.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (850)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:850. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to change policy in relation to preschool provision on school campuses; the details in this regard, including the ways in which she will support preschools on school campuses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14113/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Policy responsibility for the use of school buildings lies with the Department of Education and Youth.
In 2024, the Department of Education published Procedures on the use of school property and school sports facilities outside of school hours. This document provides encouragement and guidance to schools to make available facilities for early learning and childcare and other community purposes when not required by the school.
I am aware however that there will be instances where classrooms or other school spaces are required for educational provision. In this regard, it may be necessary for Boards of Management to prioritise the provision of school places over early learning and childcare.
The proportion of early learning and childcare services located on school premises has grown very significantly in recent years.
In the 2021/22 programme year, 15.9% of early learning and childcare services were located on school premises. Recent administrative data indicates that the proportion of early learning and childcare services located on school premises has further increased to 22.5% in the current 2024/25 programme year.
The Programme for Government sets out the ambition to work with schools to host before and after-school childcare in school buildings as well as planning the development of State-led early learning and childcare facilities in tandem with the school building programme.
The potential for development of State-led facilities in tandem with the school building programme will be considered as part of the wider capital plans to develop State-led services.
Child and Family Agency
Ceisteanna (851)
John McGuinness
Ceist:851. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason a contract negotiated by TUSLA with a company (details supplied) for specialised accommodation and staffing in Wexford has not been concluded given that the process commenced in March 2025 and the CEO informed a Dail Committee that demand for such a facility had increased by 500%; if staff files submitted for review in November 2025 will be dealt with immediately; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14136/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to operational information held by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, the question has been referred to the Agency to reply directly to the Deputy.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (852)
Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh
Ceist:852. Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to extend AIMS support to after-school services, as currently children with additional needs receiving support in preschool and primary school are without needed support in after-school care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14148/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Access and Inclusion Model or AIM is a programme of supports designed to ensure that children with disabilities or additional needs can access the Early Childhood Care and Education or ECCE programme. The goal of AIM is to empower early learning and care providers to deliver an inclusive preschool experience, ensuring that every eligible child can meaningfully participate in the ECCE programme and reap the benefits of quality early learning and care in any mainstream service participating in ECCE.
A core feature and strength of AIM is that it does not require a diagnosis. Instead, resources are allocated based on a child’s individual needs.
In line with a commitment in First 5: A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028, an independent evaluation of AIM was undertaken in order to inform an extension of AIM beyond the ECCE programme as well as any potential enhancements to the model.
The findings from the evaluation were published in January 2024 and have informed the phased extension of AIM. Since September 2024, AIM has been expanded beyond time spent in the ECCE programme for ECCE-aged children. This allows children to access early learning and childcare for up to an additional 3 hours per day in term and 6 hours per day out of term.
It is intended that, over time, all children with additional needs registered in Early Learning and Care services will have access to supports under AIM.
Officials in the Department will be engaging in a comprehensive policy development process during 2026 to extend AIM to children aged under three in future years, which will be underpinned by consultations with key stakeholders. It is critical that the new model will be strongly evidence-based and reflective of the developmental stages of children not yet in ECCE.
It is also intended to give consideration at a later date to an extension of AIM for children attending school-age childcare (SAC).
It is critical that both of these policy responses are strongly evidence-based and reflective of the needs of children. This requires tailoring of AIM and differentiation of approaches for each age cohort. Funding will be required through the annual budget process.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (853)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:853. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will review correspondence (details supplied); the current status of the child's engagement with CDNT services, including access to psychology supports; the waiting time for an assessment; whether a case (details supplied) can be prioritised in light of the prolonged absence from school; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14164/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (854)
Emer Currie
Ceist:854. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if any childminder pre-registration assessments have taken place where requirements were not met; and if so, the number out of the total number of assessments that have taken place. [14209/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the subject matter of the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter for Tusla, I have referred the matter to them for a direct reply.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (855)
Emer Currie
Ceist:855. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of childminder home visits by the Early Years Inspectorate as part of the registration process that have taken place since the 2024 regulations were introduced; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14210/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the subject matter of the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter for Tusla, I have referred the matter to them for a direct reply.
Childcare Qualifications
Ceisteanna (856, 857)
Emer Currie
Ceist:856. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of childminders who have completed the pre-registration course through the county and city childcare committees. [14211/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmer Currie
Ceist:857. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of childminders who have completed the children first course as part of the childminding registration process. [14212/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 856 and 857 together.
The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 set out a pathway for the extension of regulation to childminders. The childminding-specific Regulations, which came into effect in September 2024, are designed to be proportionate and appropriate to the home and family setting in which childminders work. In order to register as a childminding service, a childminder must provide a paid service for a minimum of 2 hours a day in their own home (principal residence) by themselves for children under the age of 15.
The regulation of childminding services is critical to the safeguarding of children. The route to registration under the new regulations requires childminders to undertake pre-registration training, as well as meeting certain regulatory requirements including Garda vetting, proof of insurance, first aid certification and child safeguarding training.
We are now in a 3-year transition period, to September 2027, during which childminders are being encouraged and supported to register, but registration is not yet mandatory. This phased approach aims to facilitate the largest possible number of childminders to enter the regulated sector, the sphere of quality assurance, and access to Government subsidies, while recognising the time and supports required for childminders to learn about and prepare for registration.
As of end-December 2025, 158 childminders were registered with Tusla. All 158 have completed the ‘Introduction to Children First’ e-learning programme as part of the childminding registration process. This universal e-learning programme was developed by Tusla, the Department of Children, Equality and Disability and the Health Service Executive to support people of all backgrounds and experience in recognising concerns about children and reporting such concerns if they arise.
Supports are available for childminders 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 delivery of the short pre-registration training course, which must be completed in advance of registration. As of end-December 2025, 634 childminders had completed the pre-registration training.
Question No. 857 answered with Question No. 856.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (858)
Emer Currie
Ceist:858. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of childminders who are now fully registered. [14213/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the subject matter of the Deputy's question relates to an operational matter for Tusla, I have referred the matter to them for a direct reply.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (859)
Emer Currie
Ceist:859. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of childminders who are part of the national childcare scheme, broken down by county. [14214/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
All paid, non-relative childminders who work in their own homes can now register with Tusla and access the National Childcare Scheme. The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 set out a pathway for the extension of registration to childminders. A key objective of the National Action Plan for Childminding is to enable parents who use childminders to also benefit from State subsidies through the National Childcare Scheme. The Childcare Support Act 2018, which provides the statutory basis for the National Childcare Scheme, specifies that the Scheme is only open to Tusla-registered providers. This ensures that public funding is provided there is assurance of the quality of provision. Therefore, only childminders who are registered with Tusla can offer the National Childcare Scheme to the families that avail of their services.
As of end-December 2025, 158 childminders were registered with Tusla. The number of childminders in contract for the National Childcare Scheme for the current programme year to date is 123. The table below provides a breakdown of that number by county.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (860)
Emer Currie
Ceist:860. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the Steering Group overseeing the implementation of the Childminding Action Plan have met since the introduction of the regulations in September 2024; and when they will meet again. [14215/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028 set out a pathway for the extension of regulation to childminders. A Steering Group oversees the implementation of the Action Plan. The Steering Group is chaired by the Department of Children, Equality and Disability. Both the Steering Group, and the Advisory Groups that support it, include representation of childminders, organisations representing childminders and other key stakeholders.
The childminding-specific Regulations came into effect in September 2024. The Steering Group has met on 4 occasions since the introduction of the Regulations, on 16 December 2024, 31 March 2025, 14 August 2025 and 2 December 2025. The next meeting is scheduled for the 24 March 2026.
Steering Group meeting minutes are published on the gov.ie website here: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/campaigns/national-action-plan-for-childminding-2021-2028/.
Childcare Services
Ceisteanna (861, 862)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:861. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her Department's position regarding deposits paid to childcare facilities for places; if it is intended to regulate the practice given the widespread use; and given the difference in amounts charged the way in which refunds can be obtained in the case that the childcare place is not used by the family; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14255/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraEoin Ó Broin
Ceist:862. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if it is correct for a childcare facility (details supplied) to charge €800 deposit; if this deposit can be recouped; if so, the way it can be recouped; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14256/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 861 and 862 together.
Under Core Funding, in which over 93% of the sector participates, providers agree that all deposits must be returned to the parent/ guardian once the child’s registration is approved on the Hive or within four weeks of the child taking up the place, whichever is sooner.
Additionally, providers must agree that they will not charge any non-refundable deposits (including administration/registration fees/waiting list fees, etc.) to parents/guardians in respect of their early learning and childcare service for which the deposit was paid.
In instances where a child does not take up a place for which a deposit was paid, there is no onus on a provider, under the Core Funding rules, to return the deposit to the parent/guardian.
The Department is committed to ongoing engagement on this matter and will consider wider changes to Core Funding deposit rules for the 2026/2027 programme year. These considerations will include a review of the restrictions around deposits.
Work on reviewing Core Funding policy for Year 5 is ongoing. Full details of Core Funding 2026/2027 will be made available to the sector in the coming months.
In relation to ECCE deposits, an ECCE Approved Provider may charge a refundable booking deposit to hold an ECCE place for a child. The maximum deposit a provider may charge is equivalent to 4 weeks ECCE payment. The full ECCE deposit must be returned to the parent once the child's ECCE registration is approved.
The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) does not stipulate any rules regarding deposits except in relation to sponsored children, where it is not permitted to charge deposits.