Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 July 2026
685. Deputy Mark Wall asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to Parliamentary Question No. 740 of 30 June 2026, if she will provide a list of the 27 providers who have been found to be in breach of core funding management rules and a list of the 18 providers currently under active fee reviews; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51830/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the deputy for his question.
I cannot comment on individual Fee Review cases which are ongoing or have concluded. The decision to withhold this information is based on several factors. For example, the publication of information related to an ongoing fee review may create risks to the process itself, as well as to the parent/guardian and the Partner Service.
Similarly, to disclose information related to a concluded fee review process may cause unnecessary damage to the reputation of a Partner Service, even after they have taken the necessary remedial actions arising from the fee review process which were necessary to become compliant.
The objectives of the Core Funding fee review process is not to give rise to unnecessary or excessive sanctions to a Partner Service, but rather to safeguard affordability to parents/guardians.
The Department is conscious of the importance of promoting affordability for parents without compromising the viability of businesses in the sector. Fee management measures must not adversely impact the sustainability of the sector, and appropriate safeguards will be carefully considered during planning for future developments.
The Department is committed to continued engagement with parents and the sector to inform the further development of both the Core Funding fee management system and general Scheme policy.
Furthermore, a key objective of Core Funding is to support the sustainability of Partner Services, and this objective must be factored into every aspect of the design, including the fee review process, by ensuring that the process is aimed at establishing compliance with Core Funding’s terms and conditions, including through remedial actions where appropriate.
In the event that an individual wishes to raise a concern regarding a potential breach in fee conditions, the first step is to reach out to their local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC).
Further detail on this process is available in the Guidelines on Fee Management section on the Early Years Hive: Guidelines on Fee Management - Service Provider Portal.
