Written Answers Nos. 138-149
138. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when the building blocks scheme will open for applications in 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29097/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am delighted to advise that I have, as of Tuesday 21st April, launched the next phase of the Building Blocks Extension Scheme.
The Building Blocks Extension Scheme phase 2 is a €10 million capital funding scheme to deliver a significant number of additional early learning and childcare places. The scheme is being funded under the updated National Development Plan.
The purpose of the Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 is to deliver additional capacity in the sector by supporting existing early learning and childcare services to undertake physical extensions to existing premises. The scheme will be open to community and private services that are signed up to the Core Funding Scheme, that commit to continuing in that scheme and adhering to its conditions, particularly in respect of fee management rules.
The aim of the scheme is to tackle the estimated undersupply of full-time places, particularly within the 1-3-year-old age-cohort. Places for children in other age brackets will also be eligible for funding, once services create at least the minimum number of places in the priority age-cohort.
The scheme will have two strands:
• Extensions to existing premises for community services
• Extensions to existing premises for private services
Community services can avail of investment of up to €530,000 for projects up to a total value of €650,000.
Private services can avail of investment of up to €265,000 for projects up to a total value of €650,000, with a minimum of 50% funding to come from the operator.
Thresholds for the scheme have been updated since the previous scheme to reflect construction price inflation.
All projects will be required to accept a charge on the premises to protect the State’s interest in the property and ensure that the capital investment continues to be used for its intended purpose over the long term.
The Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 will build on the success of the existing Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme which, when completed, will deliver up to 1,500 additional full-time places.
The scheme will run in tandem with and will complement the State-led Early Learning and Childcare Capital Programme, for which €135 million is being made available over the next five years.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality continues to progress a range of other actions to increase the supply of quality and affordable early learning and childcare, including significantly increased investment in the Core Funding scheme and the National Childcare Scheme over recent budgets.
The closing date of the scheme is end of July to allow for notification of successful applicants in September with a view to contracts being signed by year end in preparation for works to commence from January 2027. Projects will begin to make places available to children from September 2027. City and County Childcare Committees will support the development of applications and implementation of projects.
139. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the actions being taken to address the issues raised by a group (details supplied) concerning ageing parents who continue to provide full-time care to adult children with intellectual disabilities, particularly in relation to planned supported housing and unmet need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29064/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI recently met with members of the Before We Die group and I wish to acknowledge the ongoing work of the group, in advocating for increases in the provision of residential services for people with disabilities and to bring awareness to the issues many of the parents involved are facing. I understand An Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Minister Emer Higgins have also separately met with the group, in addition to representatives from the HSE.
I wish to recognise the vital work carried out by family carers, while acknowledging the impact on carers' physical and mental health. Most importantly, I wish to recognise the voices of those with disabilities and the importance of listening to their wishes for their own futures.
This Government together with the HSE, acknowledges that demand for residential services is very high. The HSE acknowledges that there are challenges with both service provision and waiting times, however, it is committed to continually working with families and staff to progressively develop and provide appropriate services to enable individuals with a disability to achieve their full potential and maximise independence.
Increasing the provision of disability services is a key priority for this Government and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, alongside the HSE, is continuing to work to increase provision in order to assist those who are most vulnerable in our society, and who urgently require services.
The implementation structures established under the National Housing Strategy for Disabled People (NHSDP) 2022-2027 are central to ensuring independent living housing outcomes for disabled people. The provision of housing for disabled people in conjunction with supports is the cornerstone of supporting independent living for disabled people.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality, DCDE, is actively engaging with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, the Housing Authority, and the HSE, to explore means of responding to the need for additional capacity, which can assist forward planning and cost-effective placements.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, will work in collaboration with a number of other Departments and agencies including the HSE and Local Authorities, to advance Pillar 3 of the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030, which outlines the provision of a clear pathway for disabled people to access the supports they require to live independently and overcome societal barriers.
Additionally, throughout 2026, the Department is undertaking research and progressing policy development, with a view to developing a new policy framework for specialist residential services, which will include models of service.
As of February 2026, approximately 90 service providers are delivering 8,927 specialist disability places. Since 2020, additional funding provided to the HSE has supported the creation of an additional 982 residential places for people with disabilities.
These placements largely support people moving from their family home to a residential service and are in addition to supporting transitions of people from congregated settings into the community and people under the age of 65 out of nursing homes and into more appropriate community-based homes.
Budget 2026 has provided approximately €3.9 billion in funding for Specialist Disability Services. Specialist disability residential services make up the largest part of the Disability funding disbursed by the HSE, almost 60% (€2.2bn) of the total budget.
€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 152 newly created residential placements as outlined in the HSE’s National Service Plan for 2026, including 72 planned places and 80 places to meet urgent, unplanned need.
The Department of Children, Disability and Equality is working closely with the HSE to achieve a more balanced response to the demand for residential placements and move towards planned provision and away from unplanned responses where possible. HSE regions are working collaboratively with voluntary service providers in each Integrated Healthcare Area to identify and prioritise individuals, in an effort to ensure plans are in place before a crisis arises.
In February 2026, The HSE’s Capital Plan 2026 was published, detailing €43 million in capital investment for Disability Services, an increase of €16million compared with 2025. 2026 brings the first of a five-year investment plan supported by €278 million in funding through the National Development Plan.
In the context of the increased investment in Disability Services in 2026, the HSE is examining a number of additional disability projects which may be added to the Capital Plan during the year. In doing so, the HSE will take into account the need for regional balance and to ensure an appropriate blend across service areas, in addition to housing provision by the Local Authorities.
140. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if amendments to the national childcare scheme subsidy are being considered to allow parents flexibility in collecting children from childcare settings. [29152/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe families of almost 247,000 children availed of National Childcare Scheme (NCS) subsidies in 2025 to help offset the costs of early learning and childcare. Up to 277,000 children are expected to avail of the Scheme this year.
The NCS is designed to be flexible, recognising that early learning and childcare needs are different for each family. Under the NCS, subsidies are awarded as an hourly rate, up to a maximum number of 45 hours a week for which the subsidy applies.
The hours-based nature of the NCS is designed to fit around the needs of families and ensure that the effectiveness of funding is maximised for all. The NCS enables families to agree the number of hours to be used with their service provider within overall scheme limits. The number of hours can be altered week to week so, for example the subsidy can be increased during a school midterm where a parent requires more hours of care.
This design allows families to benefit from a subsidy for the hours they actually require.
The Department designed the NCS to also be flexible around children’s attendance, recognising that children’s attendance may vary from week to week. If a child is occasionally picked up early or misses an occasional day, this will not impact on a family’s subsidy.
Only if a child consistently attends fewer than their agreed hours for a consecutive 12-week period will the subsidy be reviewed. In the usual course, a warning will issue after 8 weeks and, if not adjusted after 12 weeks, the allocation will be adjusted to reflect the real pattern of attendance. This period can be extended under certain circumstances.
This combination of flexibility and accountability provides an appropriate balance of supporting parents and providers while also ensuring the efficient use of Exchequer funding.
An independent evaluation of the NCS has commenced in recent weeks. This evaluation will review how the Scheme has performed to date and identify any potential improvements that could be made to better support families.
As part of this evaluation, the NCS attendance rules will be examined. The findings of the evaluation will inform potential enhancements to the National Childcare Scheme to continue to support families with accessing early learning and childcare. The findings will also inform the delivery of Phase 2 of Shaping the Future, the new Early Years Action Plan, which will be published later this year.
Any future changes to the NCS arising from the findings of this evaluation will be informed by a thorough review of international literature and comprehensive stakeholder engagement.
141. Deputy Louis O'Hara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if equine therapy facilities will be developed at the HSE’s Toghermore campus in Tuam, County Galway; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28155/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government and I are fully committed to providing the necessary supports for people with disabilities throughout the country including those in Galway.
The Toghermore house site in Tuam which is owned and operated by the HSE is under review.
Following a feasibility study, a more in-depth Health Planning Study was devised to provide greater detail and allowing a more informed decision to be made on the suitability of the site.
The tender document for a Health Planning Analysis of the entire Tuam Community Health area has been finalised by the relevant services and was advertised on the HSE’s E tenders the week of the 16th February 2026 and the deadline for return of tenders was Friday 13th March 2026.
The HSE have advised that the tenders have been received and are being evaluated by their local estates colleagues. They are hopeful that the successful bidder will be awarded the contract shortly.
The purpose of the Health Planning Analysis is to develop a Development Control Plan for the community health area, to inform future needs of HSE services in the area.
As part of the health planning analysis, Toghermore House and the usage of surrounding lands will be considered. It is important for the people of Galway that this review is done properly and promptly to ensure that the Government can provide the best possible services to the people of the area now and into the future.
At present the HSE continue to utilise facilities on the grounds of Toghermore House for a number of services including, National Counselling services, Mental health services, Quality and risk, Paediatric outpatient services and HR and administration support.
In addition to the previously mentioned services, a building at Toghermore campus has been temporarily licensed by HSE to the Office of Public Works for the use of the Office of the Director of Authorised Intervention, Tuam (ODAIT).
ODAIT, which is a time-bound agency under the auspices of the Department, is overseeing the excavation, recovery, analysis, identification (if possible) and dignified reburial of remains located at the former Mother and Baby institution in Tuam.
The Office of Public Works is currently undertaking refurbishment works to fit-out the building on the HSE Toghermore campus to meet the requirements of ODAIT. The works are also addressing essential structural issues, for example works on the roof and upgrades to mechanical and electrical installations.
The Department will continue to monitor the progress of the HSE in reviewing the Toghermore site, with any further progress on the utility of the site being subject to the outcome of the Health planning analysis, which includes considerations of an equine therapy centre.
This Government is committed to delivering real and tangible solutions to enhance services and to better support the needs of children with additional needs in Ireland
142. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of early learning and care facilities built as part of large developments that are not utilised for that purpose in Dublin city; if this is information which her Department holds, whether she intends that the new forward planning and delivery unit will gather this information given its vital nature in determining area-based childcare demand; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29051/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe data on the number of early learning and care facilities built as part of large developments in a given area is maintained by local authorities, including Dublin City Council in this case.
I understand, further to engagement by officials in the Department with colleagues in the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and officials in planning departments across a number of local authorities, that this data is not easily searchable to give answers to the type of question you ask, given the nature of the way planning applications, permissions and conditions operate. Officials have been advised that a full audit of facilities granted planning permission would be highly resource intensive for planning authorities to undertake, at a time when there are substantial other demands on these resources.
The Forward Planning and Delivery Unit does have a remit to undertake analysis of the existing level of early learning and childcare supply, whether delivered through buildings developed on foot of 2001 planning guidelines or otherwise. This has been mapped on a national basis at geocode level along with data on child population by age based on child benefit data.
This mapping work allows for modelling of travel patterns from children's home locations to early learning and childcare services and for population projections to be undertaken to estimate future demand based on a number of assumptions, including in relation to future child population patterns.
The Programme for Government also commits to reviewing the 2001 Planning Guidelines for Childcare Facilities. While the Guidelines have contributed to the creation of supply in residential developments, the Department is aware of various challenges in implementing the guidelines and that there are instances where the building provided has not been put to use for its intended purpose, and in some instances remains vacant.
The 2024 Planning and Development Act, the new National Planning Framework and the ongoing work in the Department on Shaping the Future, the Phase 2 Action Plan for the development of the early learning and childcare sector all provide important context for considering what any future policy should reflect in this respect.
I can also advise that the Department of Children, Equality and Disability has been notified by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage that it is to be included as a prescribed body in relation to planning applications which may be expected to generate significant additional demand for early learning and childcare.
143. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to report on the progress her Department has made in updating the National Childcare Scheme website to include historical fees of providers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28592/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for this question, and I welcome the opportunity to confirm that the National Childcare Scheme website was updated on 1 February 2026 to include historical fees lists for service providers.
As noted in PQ 61745/25, historical fee data is available on the National Childcare Scheme’s Childcare Service Search for fees from the 2021/2022 programme year to the present programme year (2025/2026).
The portal hosting this information was originally designed to contain information for the current programme year only. The update introduced in late 2025 expanded its scope, allowing the Department to deliver on its commitment to ensure information regarding fees charged to parents is transparent, in line with commitments in the Programme for Government. Therefore, this welcome development ensures improved transparency in relation to early learning and childcare fees across the country.
I would like to also highlight that, in addition to services fees list - historical and current - the following information is also readily available on the portal:
• contact details for early learning and childcare services,
• whether these services are private, community or childminding services,
• the services calendar, which provide details of services operating hours per week and operating weeks per year, and
• whether the services offer the Early Childhood Care and Education Programme, the National Childcare Scheme and is taking part in the Core Funding scheme.
A key element of the Core Funding scheme is to improve affordability for parents, by ensuring that services have not increased the fees charged to parents above what was charged in September 2021, unless approved by the Department through the 2024/2025 Fee Increase Assessment Process.
As well as this update, Department officials along with the Scheme Administrator Pobal, concurrently delivered a solution to provide access to historic fees list data from 2021/22 to the present through the network of City/County Childcare Committees. This allowed any individual with fee related queries to engage with their local City/County Childcare Committee for additional information and support in understanding fees charged to them.
The network of thirty City/County Childcare Committees across the country support parents and guardians to understand their early learning and childcare options and keep an updated directory of early learning and childcare services in their local areas.
Individuals can contact their local City/County Childcare Committees who are available to provide them with information and support in relation to fees.
The contact details for all thirty City/County Childcare Committees are available on gov.ie
144. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the progress made on the Programme for Government commitment to "review the 2001 Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning Authorities to ensure childcare spaces are provided and put into use"; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29050/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 2001 Planning Guidelines for Local Authorities on Childcare Facilities were issued under section 28 of the Planning and Development Act 2000. These guidelines, which remain in operation, are intended to ensure a consistent approach to the treatment of planning applications in respect to the land use planning aspects of early learning and childcare provision.
The Programme for Government commits to reviewing the guidelines to ensure early learning and childcare spaces are provided and put into use. The Planning and Development Act 2024 and the revised National Planning Framework, along with the ongoing work on Shaping the Future, the Phase 2 action plan for the development of the early learning and childcare sector, provide a strong basis from which to pursue this work.
In order to progress the Programme for Government commitment, an Early Learning and Childcare Planning Matters Working Group was established in 2024 and has met a number of times since then. It includes officials from the Department; the Department of Housing, Local Government, and Heritage; and the Department of Education and Youth.
Members of the Group have also met with local authority planning officials, nominated by the County and City Management Association Planning and Land Use Committee to identify important considerations for the review. These considerations include ensuring that buildings developed on foot of the guidelines meet the needs of the local population and are fit for purpose; and balancing the need to ensure sufficient provision for children and families, regardless of the size or housing type of the development, with ensuring that buildings are effectively operated as intended.
These issues will inform a wider engagement with local authorities and other stakeholders which is currently at planning stage.
Separately, the Department has being liaising with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage with regard to the planning process as set out in the Planning and Development Regulations 2001. I can advise that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has confirmed that the Minister for Children, Equality and Disability will be designated as a prescribed body to be notified by local authorities of planning applications that might give rise to a change in the demand for early learning and childcare provision.
I will continue to engage with the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to discuss how best to support the implementation of the existing guidelines and inform the drafting of revised guidance under the new Planning and Development Act 2024.
146. Deputy John Paul O'Shea asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the status and number of operational respite beds for children with disabilities in Cork; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28742/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraHSE South West Disability Services delivers residential respite, day respite and a range of alternative respite models. Alternative respite models include afterschool clubs, in-home support for children, outreach supports and holiday breaks for adults. A variety of services ensures that respite is provided in the manner which best meets the needs of the person and their families.
HSE South West Disability Services is acutely aware of the demand for respite services and, on receipt of funding, has significantly invested in respite services in recent years. HSE South West Disability Services continues to invest in respite services, developing alternative respite models and progressively developing additional respite services for those who require them.
HSE South West, Disability Services provides equitable access to respite services for children with disabilities in the Cork area and ensure that all available resources are used to maximum capacity.
HSE South West Disability Service Respite Fora meets on a bi-monthly basis to review all applications for respite received. Each application is reviewed to identify the appropriate respite for the child and their family. If respite is not immediately available, the child will be added to a waiting list for those seeking a service.
HSE South West Disability Services can advise, from key performance activity data (Cork only) at the end of 2025 that
• 818 children availed of respite services from S38, S39 and not for profit providers.
• A total of 2,697 respite overnights (with or without day respite) was delivered to children with an intellectual disability, physical and sensory disability and/ or with autism.
• A total of 2,576 day only respite sessions were delivered in 2025.
HSE South West Disability Services is acutely aware of the demand for respite services and has significantly invested in respite in recent years. The type and quantum of respite has been increased each year to meet the assessed needs and preferences of as many people as possible.
There are a number of recent developments in terms of respite provision for children in Cork. Discussion is ongoing with an existing provider, the Talbot Group with regard to increasing respite capacity in their children’s respite house.
An Síreach is an eight-bedded, HIQA-registered respite centre for children with disabilities, operated by Horizons. The service operates 7 nights per week, 363 days per year, and opened in 2023 and provides respite for children aged 6–18 years who meet the eligibility criteria.
The HSE Disability Office approved funding in 2025 to expand respite provision for both children and adults. A second designated centre will be developed to support this expansion. The new centre will alternate its service model, providing respite to children for two weeks and adults for two weeks each month.
Cooleens Respite House, operated by St. Joseph’s Foundation, reopened on 28th November 2025 and will operate six nights per week with a maximum capacity of five children.
The HSE have confirmed that funding of almost €4.5m will be provided to over 250 summer respite projects nationwide, each contributing to a more diverse, flexible, and person-centred respite landscape. Around €600,000 of this is going to IHA South West, funding 29 summer projects across Cork and Kerry which will provide additional respite options for both children and adults.
147. Deputy Joe Cooney asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the specific measures that are being put in place in 2026 to ensure that the additional 10,000 respite nights announced in Budget 2026 are distributed equitably across all HSE health regions, including the Mid-West; the mechanisms that will be put in place to track delivery of those additional respite nights at a county level; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28759/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2026 provides €25m additional funding for respite expansion, supporting close to 10,000 additional overnight and 25,000 additional day respite sessions. About 7,500 people avail periodically of centre-based respite, with regional disparities in access to the service and overall substantial unmet need.
In their National Service Plan (NSP) for 2026, the HSE have committed to investing the €25m in respite services, which aims to ensure equitable access across regions, with a mix of centre-based, in home, overnight and alternative respite options. The HSE anticipates that in the region of 500 more children and adults with a disability will receive respite sessions both alternative and centre based within their community in 2026. HSE goals and outcomes are specified in the National Service Plan but the Health Regions will allocate the resources to optimise their use and impact for their populations.
This funding will be used to support a range of service openings and expansions across the country and there will be particular focus on strengthening provision in areas that currently have a lower level of supports. The HSE have recently completed an audit of respite services across the country. The audit was undertaken in order to get a comprehensive picture of current service provision nationally and provide insights into a range of areas such as unmet need, occupancy levels, data collection and types of respite being offered in different areas. The audit is the first step in a wide-ranging program of improvements in the area of respite.
A national policy framework for respite is being progressed by the Department in 2026 and will consider the availability of respite services and models, focusing on building out over time a more equitable geographical spread of services. The policy framework on respite services will set out how to expand provision through new service initiatives and enhanced use of existing resources. It will also emphasise the importance of working towards regional equity as regards the availability and access to respite services.
In recent years, there has been greater investment in respite services. As a result of this, Budget 2026 increased the funding for HSE Mid West for respite services. This funding will be used to provide additional overnight and alternative respite for children, young adults and adults in Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary with a number of different service providers.
Monthly KPls and residential trackers are used to track delivery of respite nights. This tracking system will also be used to monitor additional nights that come on stream in 2026. There are monthly meetings with HSE Mid West and the National Disability Officer that assess activity associated with this funding.
The HSE Mid West Disability Service is also actively engaging with providers to reduce respite waiting times and acknowledges that further development of residential respite care for children and young people with disabilities in Co. Clare services is required.
148. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her Department's use of artificial intelligence in developing policy materials and responding to parliamentary questions. [28591/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department makes limited and controlled use of artificial intelligence tools, in line with the Guidelines for the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Public Service published by the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. All such use is guided by the principles set out in those guidelines, including the need for human oversight, transparency, privacy and accountability.
AI is not used by the Department to make policy decisions, determine outcomes or substitute for professional judgement. Where AI tools are used, the use is confined to supporting a narrow range of tasks, such as research assistance, summarisation or other routine administrative activities. In this context, AI may assist in the preparation of background material for policy development or parliamentary business. Responsibility for all draft material rests with Department officials and any content generated using AI tools is subject to appropriate checking and verification before use.
In accordance with data protection requirements, personal data and sensitive information are not input into AI tools. Clear safeguards are in place to protect information and to ensure compliance with the Department’s legal and policy obligations.
The Department has provided guidance and training to staff on the appropriate and responsible use of AI, including clear direction on acceptable use, the limitations and potential issues that can arise and the requirement for human oversight at all stages.
The Department will continue to keep developments in this area under review, including any updated public service guidance, and will update its own policies and procedures as required.
149. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the measures she will take to increase pay and improve conditions for workers in childcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29194/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPay is one of a number of challenges impacting the early learning and care and school-age childcare workforce. The level of pay for early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners does not reflect the value of their work for children, families, society and the economy.
Although the Government is the primary funder of the sector, it is not the employer and cannot directly set wages or conditions for any staff in the sector. The Joint Labour Committee is the formal mechanism established by which employer and employee representatives can negotiate minimum pay rates, which are set down in Employment Regulation Orders, and is independent in its functions.
Pay and conditions are improving. Through the work of the Joint Labour Committee and successive Employment Regulation Orders, minimum pay rates have now risen three times in four years, delivering an average 15% increase in minimum rates of pay. This marks significant progress in professionalising the workforce.
The latest Employment Regulation Order’s came into effect in October 2025 which saw an increase in minimum pay rates of, on average, 10% and will increase pay for over 67% of staff in the sector.
Outcomes from the Joint Labour Committee process are supported by Government through Core Funding. In this programme year 2025/26 Core Funding has increased by 6% to approximately €350 million with an additional €45 million in ring-fenced Core Funding provided to support services in meeting the increased cost of minimum pay rates in the sector.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment to continue to support Employment Regulation orders, I announced, as part of launch of Shaping the Future: Early Years Action Plan in December, another allocation of up to €15 million of ring-fenced funding from September 2026, which amounts up to €45 million for the full programme year, to support service providers with costs associated with possible increases in minimum rates of pay negotiated via the independent Joint Labour Committee process.
Consequently, over 2 years alone, the Department has made an allocation of €90 million available to support possible increased rates of pay.
A longer-term workforce strategy for the sector is in place: "Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028". Nurturing Skills aims to strengthen the ongoing process of professionalisation for those working in the sector. One of the five "pillars" of Nurturing Skills comprises commitments aimed at supporting recruitment, retention and diversity in the workforce, and it includes actions to raise the profile of careers in the sector.
Complementing wider Departmental policies to streamline administration and regulation, to reduce stress and to support wellbeing in the sector, the Department is also committed to rolling out an employee assistance programme nationally in the near future.
