Written Answers Nos. 383-402
383. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the number of complaints made by his Department to social media or online marketing companies about specific online posts or accounts for each year from 2020 to 2025, and to date in 2026. [48605/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can advise the Deputy that no such complaints have been made by my Department in the period from 2020 to date in 2026.
My Department's use and management of social media is carried out in accordance with its published Social Media Policy, which is available to read here: [Additional Customer Information]
384. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the position regarding measures to protect the native Irish honeybee. [48625/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is very supportive of beekeepers and beekeeping associations in their efforts in the conservation of the native Irish honey bee. The Annual Grants to Irish National Beekeepers Federations, which is Exchequer funded, provides funding to the four Irish National Beekeepers Federations. In 2025, the four national beekeeping federations received a total of €25,500 through this measure for initiatives including the conservation of the native Irish honey bee.
My Department also supports Irish beekeeping under the Scheme of Investment Aid for the development of the Horticulture sector through the provision of grant aid for capital investments by individual beekeepers in specialised beekeeping related equipment and structures including specialised bee breeding equipment.
In supporting research initiatives, €121,000 was paid out under the National Apiculture Programme in 2025 to support beekeeping through an approved applied research project being conducted by UCD- called PROBEE.
My Department also provides funding under the Conservation of Plant and Animal Genetic Resources Scheme. The Native Irish Honey Bee Society received funding in 2021 and 2024 under this scheme for projects related to the conservation of the native Irish honey bee and their application under the 2026 Scheme has also been approved.
385. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is aware of concerns regarding the presence of horses and ponies grazing at unauthorised encampments on the Curragh, County Kildare and the potential biosecurity risks this poses to the wider equine industry, including the spread of diseases such as strangles; whether his Department has engaged with relevant authorities on this issue to date; the measures being considered to safeguard equine health in this nationally significant thoroughbred training area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48627/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the particular concerns raised in relation to the Curragh.
The Programme for Government commits to Implement a Conservation Plan for the Curragh, establishing a management plan to ensure its preservation, with careful consideration of which agency is best suited to manage this historic landscape. I continue to engage across government on progressing this important action.
My Department works closely with stakeholders in the equine sector to protect and promote the highest standards of animal health in horses throughout Ireland, supporting our industry and the livelihoods of those employed in it. My Department convenes regular meetings of the Equine Stakeholders Group and the Equine Liaison Group, at which equine health issues, disease surveillance and biosecurity guidance are discussed with a range of bodies from the horse sector in Ireland.
Horse owners concerned about the risk of equine diseases should consult with their veterinary practitioner regarding biosecurity measures. Strangles is not a notifiable horse disease; while my Department has no specific role in its control, general equine disease surveillance and health information is routinely discussed at the stakeholders groups referred to above which my Department convenes.
The control of horses in a particular area is a matter for the relevant local authority.
386. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when the research commissioned in connection with the Protection of the Native Irish Honeybee Bill 2021 was received by his Department; when he expects the findings to be published; the reasons for the delay in publication to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48645/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra387. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will provide an update on the independent review undertaken in respect of the Protection of the Native Irish Honeybee Bill 2021; whether the report has been considered by his Department; if he intends to publish it; whether legal advice has been sought arising from its findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48646/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra388. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the steps that remain before the Protection of the Native Irish Honeybee Bill 2021 can proceed through the Houses of the Oireachtas; whether the Government intends to advance the Bill following consideration of the research and review undertaken; whether any precautionary measures are under consideration pending a final decision on the legislation, particularly in light of concerns regarding the potential spread of tropilaelaps mites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48647/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 386, 387 and 388 together.
The Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, a Private Members Bill, which seeks to ban the importation of non-native honey bees is currently before Dáil Éireann, Second Stage. Progression of the Bill through Dáil Éireann is subject to the procedures of the Oireachtas.
Following legal advice in relation to the Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021, my Department procured independent scientific evidence and in October 2023, a contract was signed with the National University of Ireland, Galway for the provision of research services on the native Irish honey bee (Apis mellifera mellifera).
The research work concluded in December 2024, and the research report was subsequently evaluated by an external expert. Following the completion of the evaluation, the research service provider was afforded the opportunity to respond to the evaluator’s comments and these comments were received in September 2025. My Department is currently finalising the overall response to the report. My Department has not requested any legal advice since the research report has been finalised.
The movement of bees within the European Union is governed by Regulation (EU) 2016/429 (the Animal Health Law) which is supplemented by Commission Implementing and Delegated Regulations (Regulation (EU) 2020/688 and 2021/403). These EU regulations contain specific provisions to safeguard the health of bees located in the territory of the Union including safeguarding against tropilaelaps mites.
389. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine to clarify if prices paid to farmers for TB reactors are reported to his Department on a weekly basis; if so, his views on whether this distorts the prices paid on average as his Department pays compensation to recognise the accurate value of such cattle which is not reflected in weekly reporting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48700/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Bovine TB Eradication programme, the principal compensation scheme available to herds who experience a bTB breakdown is the "On Farm Market Valuation" scheme. The scheme compensates affected herd owners up to the market value of their animals being removed under the scheme (subject to scheme ceilings).
In order to ensure that accurate market values are awarded as part of the scheme, my Department provides affected farmers with a list of independent livestock valuers operating in their region to choose from, the chosen independent valuer visits the farm and assesses each reactor animal individually on their merits.
My Department provide Valuers with the "Summary of Market Prices" (SMP) on a weekly basis. Technical officers from my Department record sales data from a variety of sales nationally, this is then analysed and compiled into the SMP to ensure that values awarded under the scheme are reflective of current open market pricing.
The prices paid to farmers for bTB reactors slaughtered on approved premises are provided to my Department who then pay the balance of the Market Valuation of the animal as determined by the Independent Valuer, subject to OFMV scheme ceilings, less the factory price received by the farmer.
My Department does not have any role or influence in the process of valuing animals under the scheme, this process is wholly independent. My Department is given the right to appeal valuations just as affected herdowner/keepers have such a right.
The On-Farm Market Value arbitration process is used when a herdowner or my Department disagree with the appeal valuation of the animals that are due to be removed because of bTB. An independent expert panel will review the case and decide on the final value.
In addition to the compensation package for eligible reactor animals that are removed during a TB breakdown, my Department operates three supplementary schemes that assist farmers with the indirect losses incurred as a result of a TB breakdown on their farm
The Income Supplement Scheme is a targeted scheme which assists farmers who lose 9.5% or more of their herd to disease due to a single TB breakdown. Income supplement is only payable in cases where the 9.5% threshold is met in one continuous restriction period and where full Depopulation is not deemed an appropriate measure.
The Hardship Grant is a targeted scheme aimed at assisting eligible herd-owners who retain and feed animals during prolonged periods of restriction as a result of a TB breakdown and that have more animals than the same period in the previous year. The scheme runs each year for herds restricted between November 1st and April 30th.
Depopulation Grant is paid for each animal removed in the depopulation measure and for those herds that are partial or fully depopulated on foot of a veterinary decision made on analysis of the overall TB disease situation within a herd.
As part of the work of the TB Forum, a dedicated Financial Working Group was established to review the financial modelling of various elements of the Bovine TB Eradication programme. As a result of the agreement reached in this Group, over the last two years there were rate enhancements to the Income Supplement Scheme, the Hardship Grant and the Depopulation Grant as well as enhanced ceilings for select animals being removed as part of the On Farm Market Valuation.
Due to the increased cost of the bTB programme in recent years, the focus at present is on reducing the levels of disease which will reduce the impact of bTB on Irish farm families and reduce the cost of the programme which has risen to over €121 million in 2025.
390. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether the current position of veterinary nurses’ pay and working conditions will be reviewed as part of his Departments Budget 2027 negotiations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48708/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraPay and conditions in the Veterinary Sector, including for veterinary nurses, are matters for individual employers and employees, or their representative bodies, and are determined through normal contractual arrangements and labour market negotiations. Government Departments have no role in the setting prescribing or regulating salary scales or employment terms for employees of private sector organisations, including those working in privately operated veterinary practices.
391. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine whether his Department has sought an allocation from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund for the agricultural sector in line with the Programme for Government commitment; the amount sought or secured, if any; the schemes, measures or projects for which such funding is intended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48810/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has secured an overall Capital Allocation of €1.625 billion for 2026 - 2030 as part of the Government's National Development Plan, which incorporates the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund. This allocation will allow my Department to continue to support economic, social and environmental development in our rural and coastal communities.
The funding will contribute to improved competitiveness, including through research and innovation, capital investment at industry level to support international market diversification and investment to meet climate and environmental obligations.
Details of the allocation are set out in the table below:
|
|
2026 |
2027 |
2028 |
2029 |
2030 |
|
Allocation |
€315,000,000 |
€325,000,000 |
€325,000,000 |
€330,000,000 |
€330,000,000 |
392. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine for an update on his Department’s review of ACRES; the prospective date for the review’s publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48811/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the review of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) was to examine the scheme to identify possible improvements in the experience of the participants and if environmental ambition has been fully realised. As part of the review, meetings were held with farming bodies, advisory bodies and the ACRES Co-operation Project Teams, following which a draft report was compiled.
Challenges being experienced in the implementation of the Scheme continued to be addressed while the review was being undertaken. I can confirm that issues which were impacting the timeliness of payments have now been resolved, with payments to 97% of all participants now up-to-date and over €786 million paid out in core scheme payments so far. All elements of ACRES have also now been implemented.
The outcome of the review of ACRES, which is currently being finalised, will contribute to the design and development of the agri-environment climate actions to be made available under the Common Agricultural Policy post 2027.
393. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the financial supports that are available to single parents who are seeking private assessment for autism for their child; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48431/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraFamilies can seek a referral for an autism assessment through a healthcare provider such as their GP, local Primary Care team, a healthcare professional or, for children with complex needs, the local Children’s Disability Network Team. It is acknowledged that there can be long waiting times for families seeking autism assessments within the public system.
In May 2026 the HSE launched The Autism Assessment and Intervention Pathways Protocol. This protocol forms part of a clinical assessment process used by professionals to support the assessment of a child. Parents and families do not apply for the Protocol.
The Protocol will provide a faster and more specialised route for autism assessment across primary care, mental health and disability services. It will be the preferred assessment route for autism, and it is expected that using the protocol will enable teams to assess more people in a shorter timeframe.
It is intended that these assessments will explain and help people to understand the causes of their difficulties. It will also provide a diagnosis and identify the services and supports required. New teams, known as In-Reach teams, are being established to support existing community teams using the protocol, providing additional resources, and allowing faster assessment.
The Assessment of Need Targeted Waitlist Initiative was introduced by Government in May 2024 to support the delivery of Assessments of Need to those families who have been waiting longest. Under the Targeted Waitlist Initiative, the HSE procures clinical assessments from approved private providers. These providers are reimbursed by the HSE for clinical assessments undertaken as part of the Assessment of Need process. By the end of 2025, over 7,700 clinical assessments had been commissioned from private providers since the Initiative started in June 2024.
Funding of €20 million is being provided this year to continue the Initiative, enabling the delivery of approximately 6,000 clinical assessments with a specific focus on autism assessments. The HSE recently established a new Panel of service providers to deliver these autism diagnostic assessments for children and adolescents under the Initiative. The Panel, which includes 29 providers, became operational in February 2026 and will be in place for one year, with an option to extend for a further year. These autism assessments will inform the Assessment of Need process.
It should be noted that funding is not provided to individuals or families who wish to procure a private clinical assessment themselves.
394. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality when a dietician post will be added to north Tipperary CDNT team, as there is no such post currently on the team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48448/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
395. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to confirm that a child (details supplied) will receive an urgent assessment of need; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48491/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
396. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality in light of research (details supplied) the action her Department has taken to address the highly concerning findings; if an investigation has been carried out on foot of this research; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48712/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 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.
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. 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 frontline 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.
397. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality her plans to support working families with the cost of childcare in Budget 2027; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47673/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraShaping the Future: The Early Years Action Plan, Phase 1 report (published on 17th December 2025) sets out measures to achieve key Programme for Government commitments on the affordability, quality, and accessibility of early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC). A central objective of Shaping the Future is to reduce parental fees to an upper limit of €200 per month over the lifetime of the Government.
The fee-freeze and maximum fee-caps required for Core Funding have been key to the progress in recent years in making ELC and SAC services more affordable.
The Phase 1 report of Shaping the Future sets out actions which will be carried out in 2026 using existing policy tools. 2026 actions on affordability will include further reduction in some of the highest fees paid by parents by lowering the maximum fees that Core Funding Partner Services can charge. In addition, from autumn 2026 we will reduce out of pocket costs for lower-income families through the National Childcare Scheme.
These measures include:
- An increase to the lower (base) income threshold of the income-assessed subsidy from €26,000 to €34,000, to ensure that families with incomes below the relative income poverty line receive the maximum subsidies.
- An increase to the upper income threshold (income limit) of the income-assessed subsidy from €60,000 to €68,000, to extend income-assessed subsidies to more families.
- An increase to the multiple child deduction (MCD) component of the income-assessed subsidy for families with two children under the age of 15 from €4,300 to €5,500, and for families with three or more children under the age of 15 from €8,600 to €11,000
I recently announced the details of a further reduction in maximum fee caps for the Core Funding programme year 2026/2027, beginning September 2026. These latest maximum fee caps, which apply to all Core Funding Partner Services, will place a limit on the maximum fees that can be charged across all types of provision. The fee for a full day place – of between 40 and less than 50 hours per week, the most common full day care operating hours – will be no more than €280 per week (before State subsidies under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) and the ECCE programme are deducted), with a maximum fee of €336 for 50 hours of care or more.
While we need to make progress quickly, the actions we take must be sustainable, underpinned by public consultation and research, and delivered in a way that supports families, the workforce and service providers. That is why 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.
Budget 2027 will be considered by Government in the context of the annual estimates process. Therefore, the Deputy will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
398. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of adults with physical disabilities under the age of 65 currently residing in nursing homes or other inappropriate settings due to the unavailability of suitable residential accommodation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48406/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
399. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of WTE play specialist posts filled at South Kildare Children's Disability Network Team as of 17 June 2026; if she will provide the same figures as of 30 June 2023, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48462/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
400. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the supports and services available to a school leaver (details supplied); if an adult day service placement has not been confirmed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48467/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraHSE-funded day programmes for people with intellectual disabilities, autism, or complex physical disabilities include a range of centre-based and community-based activities. Access to services is based on an individual’s needs rather than on their diagnosis. The focus is on supporting people to participate in the mainstream activities and in the life of their community, in line with their wishes and needs.
Day services are a vital support for adult with disabilities to participate in the life of their community and to realise their own ambitions and desires. The majority of young people due to leave school in a given year that require a HSE funded day service have been profiled by the end of the previous year to establish their support needs. Once needs are identified, referrals are made to the service provider of choice, funding is committed and negotiations are concluded with providers by end of May to confirm placements to young people and their families. In many instances young people due to leave school at end of June are introduced to their day services for trialling purposes during April, May and June so there is a natural transition into day services in September.
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.
401. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the reason a person (details supplied) cannot access respite care, given that they have had no response from their local children's disability network team; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48474/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly.
402. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the actions she and her Department have taken to support access to afterschool childcare in Cork City, as a number of providers have either closed or restricted access to the service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [48489/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to quality and affordable Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is a key priority of Government.
Early learning and childcare capacity is increasing. Data from the Annual Early Years Sector Profile 2024/25 shows that the estimated number of enrolments increased by approximately 25% from the 2021/22 programme year.
This is particularly the case with school-age childcare services. Estimated enrolments in school-age childcare, based on Sector Profile data, have grown by 77% over the last three years.
The Department continues to support the ongoing development and resourcing of Core Funding which has given rise to a significant expansion of places since the scheme was first introduced. Core Funding, which is in its fourth programme year, funds services based on the number of places available.
This provides stability to services, and reduces the risk associated with opening a new service or expanding an already existing service.
The Government is also supporting the expansion of capacity through capital funding. This is primarily aimed at the expansion of places for younger children given that this is where there is the greatest level of undersupply identified. In addition to the Building Blocks grant schemes, I have announced a €135 million programme of State-lead early learning and childcare capital investment over the coming five years. The process will begin in 2026 with investment in buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative. The State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030.
The Department of Education and Youth has 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. Further information is available through the link provided on Guidelines on the use of School Buildings outside of School Hours and decisions on whether or not to facilitate school aged childcare on school premises ultimately lies with Boards of Management of the schools.
The Department also funds 30 City/County Childcare Committees, which provide support and assist families and early learning and childcare providers. The network of 30 City/County Childcare Committees across the country can assist in identifying vacant places in services for children and families who need them and engage proactively with services to explore possibilities for expansion among services, particularly where there is unmet need.
Parents experiencing difficulty in relation to their early learning and childcare needs should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee for assistance. The contact details for the Cork City Childcare Committee may be found at: corkcitychildcare.ie/
Registered providers of School-Age Childcare services must notify Tusla Early Years Inspectorate of the cessation (closure) of a service within 28 days of the closure. Reasons for closures vary and services can provide a number of reasons for closure when informing Tusla. There are a variety of self-reported reasons for closure, including, but not limited, to the following:
• Service not financially viable
• Low demand for spaces
• Retirement
• Premises taken back by owner
• Personal reasons
• Unable to source staff
• School room taken back
The reasons given for closures are all self-declared by the provider and collated from cessation forms submitted to Tusla. This information is not verified by Tusla. Also, a provider may list more than one reason for closure and a provider is not required to give a reason.
I do not want any Provider to be faced with financial sustainability issues in their delivery of early learning and childcare services. To support services, there are wider financial supports available from the Department. Where a service is experiencing financial difficulty or has viability concerns, these can be accessed while remaining within Core Funding.
This support can take the form of assisting services with interpreting analysis of staff ratios and cash flow, financial support, as well as more specialised advice and support appropriate to individual circumstances.
Any service having trouble and who would like support should contact their CCC to access case management supports. Contact details for all City and County Childcare Committees are available on the gov.ie website.
