Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2026
923. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the current status of childcare facilities which are providing childcare under the ECCE scheme, who are now required to pay commercial rates to their relevant local authority; if her Department has had any engagement with local authorities on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29730/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware that a number of early learning and childcare providers, including providers that exclusively operate the Early Childhood Care and Education programme, have been receiving rates-payable notifications from their Local Authorities. Given the importance of early learning and childcare for children, families and communities across the country, I am giving the matter my full attention.
I have met with my cabinet colleague, Housing Minister Browne, to discuss this matter, and officials in the Department are engaging with colleagues in the Department of Housing to clarify the rates exemption status of ECCE-only services.
It should be noted that commercial rates payments for early learning and childcare providers, including childminders, do not fall under the remit of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, and the Department has no role in determining which properties are rateable.
The making of valuations for rating purposes is the sole responsibility of Tailte Éireann, formerly the Commissioner of Valuation. Tailte Éireann falls under the aegis of the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Furthermore, the billing and collection of rates is solely a matter for the relevant local authority, the Department of Children has no function in that regard; however, officials in the Department are engaging with colleagues in the Department of Housing to explore the solutions that might be available to rectify this situation as this is a matter that I am seeking resolution to as soon as possible.
