Written Answers Nos. 270-287
270. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the steps being taken to ensure all childcare providers participate in the childcare scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22533/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is designed to improve affordability for parents through the provision of subsidies for children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years of age. Presently, 4,376 early learning and childcare services are in contract to deliver the Scheme – a 10% increase on the previous year. Participation in the NCS is optional but it remains open to all Tusla-registered early learning and childcare providers, including childminders, subject to their agreement of the terms and conditions of the NCS Funding Agreement.
While the Department cannot oblige providers to participate in schemes, significant efforts have been made to improve the NCS for services by reducing the administrative burden on providers and simplifying existing processes. On 17 December 2025, Simplify and Support was published by the Department. It sets out steps – in the short, medium and long term - to reduce administration and simplify regulatory requirements for all providers in the sector.
There are additional practical benefits for providers who contract to deliver the NCS, including an entitlement to up to 10 subsidised (paid) closure days per contract term. Bridging payments are also available where providers are unable to submit weekly returns due to a planned closure.
It’s also worth noting that providers who contract to Core Funding must offer the NCS and/or the ECCE programme. Core Funding ensures sustainability and stability for the sector and rates reflect delivery costs for providers, including administrative staff and time.
An evaluation of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) has commenced as of March 2026. 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.
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.
The evaluation will include extensive stakeholder consultation with parents, providers, and representative groups, as well as a review of national and international research and best practice. It will 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 NCS to continue to support families with the cost of early learning and childcare, in line with the Shaping the Future Early Years Action Plan.
271. Deputy Jen Cummins asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the supports that exist for families who, through no fault of their own, are unable to access a national childcare service participating service. [22534/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is designed to improve affordability for parents through the provision of subsidies for children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years of age. Presently, 4,376 early learning and childcare services are in contract to deliver the Scheme – a 10% increase on the previous year. Participation in the NCS is optional but it remains open to all Tusla-registered early learning and childcare providers, including childminders, subject to their agreement of the terms and conditions of the NCS Funding Agreement.
While the Department cannot oblige providers to participate in schemes, significant efforts have been made to improve the NCS for services by reducing the administrative burden on providers and simplifying processes. Additionally, it’s worth noting that providers who contract to Core Funding and must offer the NCS and/or ECCE programme receive funding to assist with delivery costs, including those relating to administrative staff and time.
The Department funds 30 City/County Childcare Committees (CCCs), which provide support and assist families with early learning, and childcare matters. The network of 30 City/County Childcare Committees (CCC) across the country are in a position to match children and families to services operating with vacant places. Once a CHICK is awarded, families can choose any childcare provider participating in the NCS. The CCCs are best positioned to assist families in sourcing an alternative place, if required.
First 5 is Ireland’s Whole-of-Government Strategy for babies, young children and their families. It has a pivotal focus on providing a broader range of options for parents to balance working and caring. The First 5 Implementation Plan (2023-2025) set out additional measures that will allow parents to spend the whole of their baby’s first year in the home through a combination of paid family leave schemes by 2028. This included increasing Parent’s Leave and Benefit for both fathers and mothers to nine weeks in August 2024. The combined duration of Maternity, Paternity and Parent’s Leave and Benefit now equates to 46 weeks’ leave for a two-parent family.
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 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. 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 where there is assurance of the quality of provision.
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. 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 the short pre-registration training course.
As of end-January 2026, 162 childminders were registered with Tusla, the number of childminders currently in contract for the National Childcare Scheme with a least one active registration for the current programme year to date (as of 20.03.2026) is 128. Meaning there are 34 registered childminders that are not yet in contract for the NCS based on figures available to us.
The Phase 1 report of Shaping the Future: the Early Years Action Plan was published on 17th December. The report sets out the next steps in the delivery of a number of Programme for Government commitments relating to Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC). Two central objectives of Shaping the Future are to reduce parental fees to an upper limit of €200 per month over the lifetime of the Government and to increase the supply of places, strengthening supply-side funding to support services’ sustainability and staff wages, while introducing State-led facilities to complement other measures to increase capacity.
The Phase 1 report focuses on short-term actions to be undertaken in 2026 within the budgetary resources available for the year. In line with the Programme for Government commitment, a broad public consultation process is currently underway. Results of this consultation, as well as additional analysis, will inform Phase 2 of the Action Plan. Phase 2 actions will be published later in 2026 and will be undertaken from 2027 through to the end of 2029.
272. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether the recently revised assessment of need framework limits or reduces access to cognitive assessment for children, including in cases where intellectual disability is not suspected; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22562/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra273. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the way in which the revised assessment of need framework ensures that children with uneven developmental profiles, including those who may be gifted or twice-exceptional (details supplied) will be appropriately identified within the system; whether her Department has conducted any impact assessment on the way in which the revised model may affect the identification of children whose needs are masked by high cognitive ability or compensatory functioning; the safeguards in place to prevent under-identification of such children, particularly in light of evidence that twice-exceptional children are already under-recognised within Irish education and disability services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22564/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra274. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will clarify if access to cognitive or psychological assessment remains available where there is evidence of significant intra-individual discrepancy, asynchronous development, or unexplained underachievement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22566/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra275. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether consideration has been given to the potential for increased reliance on private assessments arising from any restriction in public access to cognitive assessment; the implications this may have for equity of access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22568/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra276. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the training or guidance being provided to assessment officers and multidisciplinary teams to ensure that complex presentations, including masking and twice-exceptionality, are recognised under the revised model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22570/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra277. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her Departments plans to review the implementation of the revised assessment of need framework to ensure that no cohort of children is excluded from identification due to the streamlining of assessment processes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22572/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 272 to 277, inclusive, together.
The Assessment of Need process is intended to determine if a person has a disability, as described in the Disability Act 2005, and, if they do, their health and education needs (if any) and the health and education services required to meet those needs.
The proposed changes to the Disability Act will not change the definition of disability as set out in the Act, nor will they change the type or quality of clinical assessments available or the role of the Assessment Officer in establishing whether there is a disability as defined under the Disability Act.
The proposed improvements to the Assessment of Need (AON) process are designed to clarify processes, support and strengthen decision-making, and ensure greater consistency across HSE regions.
The HSE Assessments Officers will continue to have access to appropriate training and supports to ensure consistency, compliance with statutory obligations, and high-quality engagement with children and families. As well as induction and ongoing training, Assessment Officers have structured access to clinical expertise within relevant services such as Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) and Primary Care. This includes:
• Clinical consultation sessions to support decision making in complex cases.
• Access to discipline-specific clinicians for advice regarding assessment pathways, interpretation of clinical documentation, and onward referrals.
• Escalation routes to senior clinicians or Disability Managers where cases present with atypical or multifaceted needs.
• Peer support and supervision.
It is important to emphasise that children do not require an Assessment of Need to access health services, including Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) or Mental Health Services, or education supports.
Families who have concerns regarding their child’s health or developmental needs should contact the HSE to access the appropriate services. HSE services work on a needs-led rather than diagnosis-led system and will work with families to develop an appropriate plan and supports for their children. For example, CDNTs follow best clinical practice when working with children and operate under the well-established philosophy of family-centred practice.
With regard to the wider legislative reforms, Government announced a series of improvements to the Assessment of Need process in December 2025 which will make the process more effective and efficient for children and families. Over time, this should lead to a reduction in the waiting time to receive an assessment. These changes includes legislative reform and operational improvements to support the efficiency and effectiveness of the Assessment of Need process.
Under the proposed improvements to the Assessment of Need process there will be no change to a person’s right to apply for an Assessment of Need or to the statutory timeframe for processing an eligible Assessment of Need application, which is 6 months from the date it is received.
For families who have further concerns, the Department has published Frequently Asked Questions on the proposed legislative changes which in addition to the material above may be of assistance. These documents are available on the Department’s website under Publications: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/from-subject-received-size-categories-aoife-carragher-dcde-fw-dcde-website-aon-1532-1-mb/
With regard to the use of private clinical assessments, these are procured through the Assessment of Need Targeted Waitlist Initiative which focuses on those children and families who have been waiting longest for an assessment of need. The HSE and HSE-funded agencies ensure that the contracted providers are appropriately qualified and that any assessments or interventions are provided in line with the appropriate standards, appropriate procurement procedures, Garda vetting and due diligence practice.
Any privately commissioned reports for Assessment of Need are reviewed by an appropriately qualified HSE clinician at local level to ensure they meet adequate governance standards.
The Department will continue to work with the HSE towards supporting improved and more timely access to quality services and assessments for children and their families.
278. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current number of vacancies across children’s disability network teams in Cavan and Monaghan, by discipline; the length of time these posts have been vacant; the impact of these vacancies on waiting times for children accessing services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22582/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to the service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
279. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children waiting more than 12 months for assessment or intervention by children’s disability network teams in Cavan and Monaghan; and the steps being taken to reduce these waiting lists. [22583/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to the service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
280. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether additional funding or staffing approvals have been provided to address recruitment and retention challenges in disability services in Cavan Monaghan; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22584/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to the service matters, I have requested the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
281. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether the recently revised assessment of need framework limits or reduces access to cognitive assessment for children, including in cases where intellectual disability is not suspected; the way in which the revised framework ensures that children with uneven developmental profiles, including those who may be gifted or twice-exceptional will be appropriately identified within the system; whether the Department has conducted any impact assessment on how the revised model may affect the identification of children whose needs are masked by high cognitive ability or compensatory functioning; the safeguards in place to prevent under-identification of such children, particularly in light of evidence that twice-exceptional children are already under-recognised within Irish education and disability services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22592/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra282. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if access to cognitive or psychological assessment remains available where there is evidence of significant intra-individual discrepancy, asynchronous development, or unexplained underachievement; whether consideration has been given to the potential for increased reliance on private assessments arising from any restriction in public access to cognitive assessment; the implications this may have for equity of access; the training or guidance is being provided to assessment officers and multidisciplinary teams to ensure that complex presentations, including masking and twice-exceptionality, are recognised under the revised model; if the Department intends to review the implementation of the revised assessment of need framework to ensure that no cohort of children is excluded from identification due to the streamlining of assessment processes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22593/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 281 and 282 together.
The Assessment of Need process is intended to determine if a person has a disability, as described in the Disability Act 2005, and, if they do, their health and education needs (if any) and the health and education services required to meet those needs.
The proposed changes to the Disability Act will not change the definition of disability as set out in the Act, nor will they change the type or quality of clinical assessments available or the role of the Assessment Officer in establishing whether there is a disability as defined under the Disability Act.
The proposed improvements to the Assessment of Need (AON) process are designed to clarify processes, support and strengthen decision-making, and ensure greater consistency across HSE regions.
The HSE Assessments Officers will continue to have access to appropriate training and supports to ensure consistency, compliance with statutory obligations, and high-quality engagement with children and families. As well as induction and ongoing training, Assessment Officers have structured access to clinical expertise within relevant services such as Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) and Primary Care. This includes:
• Clinical consultation sessions to support decision making in complex cases.
• Access to discipline-specific clinicians for advice regarding assessment pathways, interpretation of clinical documentation, and onward referrals.
• Escalation routes to senior clinicians or Disability Managers where cases present with atypical or multifaceted needs.
• Peer support and supervision.
It is important to emphasise that children do not require an Assessment of Need to access health services, including Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) or Mental Health Services, or education supports.
Families who have concerns regarding their child’s health or developmental needs should contact the HSE to access the appropriate services. HSE services work on a needs-led rather than diagnosis-led system and will work with families to develop an appropriate plan and supports for their children. For example, CDNTs follow best clinical practice when working with children and operate under the well-established philosophy of family-centred practice.
With regard to the wider legislative reforms, Government announced a series of improvements to the Assessment of Need process in December 2025 which will make the process more effective and efficient for children and families. Over time, this should lead to a reduction in the waiting time to receive an assessment. These changes includes legislative reform and operational improvements to support the efficiency and effectiveness of the Assessment of Need process.
Under the proposed improvements to the Assessment of Need process there will be no change to a person’s right to apply for an Assessment of Need or to the statutory timeframe for processing an eligible Assessment of Need application, which is 6 months from the date it is received.
For families who have further concerns, the Department has published Frequently Asked Questions on the proposed legislative changes which in addition to the material above may be of assistance. These documents are available on the Department’s website at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/from-subject-received-size-categories-aoife-carragher-dcde-fw-dcde-website-aon-1532-1-mb/
With regard to the use of private clinical assessments, these are procured through the Assessment of Need Targeted Waitlist Initiative which focuses on those children and families who have been waiting longest for an assessment of need. The HSE and HSE-funded agencies ensure that the contracted providers are appropriately qualified and that any assessments or interventions are provided in line with the appropriate standards, appropriate procurement procedures, Garda vetting and due diligence practice.
Any privately commissioned reports for Assessment of Need are reviewed by an appropriately qualified HSE clinician at local level to ensure they meet adequate governance standards.
The Department will continue to work with the HSE towards supporting improved and more timely access to quality services and assessments for children and their families.
283. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if the revised assessment of need framework limits or reduces access to cognitive assessment for children, including in cases where intellectual disability is not suspected; the way in which the revised framework ensures that children with uneven developmental profiles, including those who may be gifted or twice-exceptional will be appropriately identified within the system; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22594/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra284. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department has conducted any impact assessment on how the revised assessment of need model may affect the identification of children whose needs are masked by high cognitive ability or compensatory functioning; the safeguards in place to prevent under-identification of such children, particularly in light of evidence that twice-exceptional children are already under-recognised within disability services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22595/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra285. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if, under the revised assessment of need framework, access to cognitive or psychological assessment remains available where there is evidence of significant intra-individual discrepancy, asynchronous development, or unexplained underachievement; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22596/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra286. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if consideration has been given to the potential for increased reliance on private assessments arising from any restriction in public access to cognitive assessment and the implications this may have for equity of access; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22597/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra287. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the training or guidance is being provided to assessment officers and multidisciplinary teams to ensure that complex presentations, including masking and twice-exceptionality, are recognised under the revised model; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22598/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra288. Deputy Liam Quaide asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality whether her Department intends to review the implementation of the revised assessment of need framework to ensure that no cohort of children is excluded from identification due to the streamlining of assessment processes; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22599/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 283 to 288, inclusive, together.
The Assessment of Need process is intended to determine if a person has a disability, as described in the Disability Act 2005, and, if they do, their health and education needs (if any) and the health and education services required to meet those needs.
The proposed changes to the Disability Act will not change the definition of disability as set out in the Act, nor will they change the type or quality of clinical assessments available or the role of the Assessment Officer in establishing whether there is a disability as defined under the Disability Act.
The proposed improvements to the Assessment of Need (AON) process are designed to clarify processes, support and strengthen decision-making, and ensure greater consistency across HSE regions.
The HSE Assessments Officers will continue to have access to appropriate training and supports to ensure consistency, compliance with statutory obligations, and high-quality engagement with children and families. As well as induction and ongoing training, Assessment Officers have structured access to clinical expertise within relevant services such as Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) and Primary Care. This includes:
• Clinical consultation sessions to support decision making in complex cases.
• Access to discipline-specific clinicians for advice regarding assessment pathways, interpretation of clinical documentation, and onward referrals.
• Escalation routes to senior clinicians or Disability Managers where cases present with atypical or multifaceted needs.
• Peer support and supervision.
It is important to emphasise that children do not require an Assessment of Need to access health services, including Primary Care, Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) or Mental Health Services, or education supports.
Families who have concerns regarding their child’s health or developmental needs should contact the HSE to access the appropriate services. HSE services work on a needs-led rather than diagnosis-led system and will work with families to develop an appropriate plan and supports for their children. For example, CDNTs follow best clinical practice when working with children and operate under the well-established philosophy of family-centred practice.
With regard to the wider legislative reforms, Government announced a series of improvements to the Assessment of Need process in December 2025 which will make the process more effective and efficient for children and families. Over time, this should lead to a reduction in the waiting time to receive an assessment. These changes includes legislative reform and operational improvements to support the efficiency and effectiveness of the Assessment of Need process.
Under the proposed improvements to the Assessment of Need process there will be no change to a person’s right to apply for an Assessment of Need or to the statutory timeframe for processing an eligible Assessment of Need application, which is 6 months from the date it is received.
For families who have further concerns, the Department has published Frequently Asked Questions on the proposed legislative changes which in addition to the material above may be of assistance. These documents are available on the Department’s website under Publications: “Assessment of Needs Process and Proposed Changes”.
With regard to the use of private clinical assessments, these are procured through the Assessment of Need Targeted Waitlist Initiative which focuses on those children and families who have been waiting longest for an assessment of need. The HSE and HSE-funded agencies ensure that the contracted providers are appropriately qualified and that any assessments or interventions are provided in line with the appropriate standards, appropriate procurement procedures, Garda vetting and due diligence practice.
Any privately commissioned reports for Assessment of Need are reviewed by an appropriately qualified HSE clinician at local level to ensure they meet adequate governance standards.
The Department will continue to work with the HSE towards supporting improved and more timely access to quality services and assessments for children and their families.
