Written Answers Nos. 169-188
169. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the person who decided that Ireland would not pursue agricultural reserve support for potato growers affected by the 2023/2024 weather events; whether that decision was made by him, a Minister of State or officials within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52024/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra170. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the objective criteria used by his Department in concluding that the 2023/2024 potato losses did not justify seeking agricultural reserve assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52025/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 169 and 170 together.
The Agriculture Crisis Reserve is an emergency fund within the Common Agricultural Policy designed to provide rapid financial support when farmers face severe, unexpected crises that disrupt agricultural markets such as extreme weather events, disease outbreaks or impacts from geopolitical events.
It is not intended to cover automatic compensation for every loss. Instead, it is used selectively for exceptional situations where coordinated EU action is considered necessary.
By way of example, following Member State applications in Spring 2024, the Commission endorsed applications relating to damage to orchards and heavy losses in fruit production in vineyards arising from a sequence of events which saw an exceptionally warm March, below freezing temperatures in late April and then additional hail in some regions. The Commission described these as "adverse climate events of unprecedented magnitude" because the affected area was extensive and the losses threatened the economic viability of many farms.
My Department continuously monitored the situation with respect to the 2023 potato crop harvest across the sector in late 2023 and early 2024 given the challenges posed by the weather conditions in that period. The adverse weather impacted growers to differing extents around the country. However, the vast majority of the 2023 planted crop was harvested, with a 97% harvest rate based on industry estimates. Overall, the potato sector remained relatively strong throughout 2023 and in 2024 despite the challenges posed by the weather events of 2023.
Accordingly, having been informed of the overall impact of the event on the sector based on the level of harvesting and the robustness of sector in the period concerned, I reaffirmed the decision of the then Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine that the criteria for considering making an application to the Reserve was not met.
My Department provides significant support to the potato sector through various Schemes and remains committed to it.
171. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the status of a report (details supplied); the expected timeline for its publication; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52046/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have engaged Mr. Kieran Mulvey to produce an independent report by working with seafood representative groups in order to identify and articulate issues, priorities, and opportunities for the sector.
The purpose of this engagement is to consider the independent report in order to assist me in setting the Terms of Reference for a Fisheries Sector Strategy, as provided for in the Programme for Government.
Mr. Mulvey visited the Department's six Fishery Harbour Centres and met with various stakeholder organisations representing the catching (both inshore and offshore), processing and aquaculture sectors.
I expect Mr. Mulvey's report to be published shortly.
172. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the prices paid by licensed approved meat processing facilities on a weekly basis for TB reactors are reported to his Department and included in the prices reported on a weekly basis with non TB reactors; if so, his views that this distorts the accuracy of prices reported as TB reactors slaughtered in licensed approved meat processing facilities are priced substantially lower than non TB reactors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52129/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe prices paid by approved meat processing facilities in respect of TB reactors do not affect the Summary of Market Prices report, as that is compiled solely using mart sales data.
Animals removed as reactors under the TB Eradication programme are valued by independent Valuers appointed to a panel following an open framework competition run in accordance with EU procurement guidelines. The farmer experiencing the disease breakdown chooses a Valuer from this panel and my Department provides the Valuer with weekly guideline summary prices. It is important that Valuers have access to up-to-date prices for use as a reference when valuing the current market value of animals.
Under the terms of the TB Eradication Scheme, for purposes of livestock valuations of reactor animals “Market Value” is defined as the equivalent price which might reasonably have been obtained for the animal at the time of determination of compensation from a purchaser in an open market if the animal was not affected by TB or was not being removed as part of a depopulation under the disease eradication programme.
My Department carries out data collection in livestock marts all around the country in relation to the On Farm Market Valuation scheme. My Department records cattle on their merit (quality) score of 1 to 5 (with 1 the best & 5 the poorest) & number of cattle in the lot/batch. The cattle breed, weight, price, sex, stage of finishing and dysfunctional traits, EBI, Eurostar rating, lactation status and milk yield/status where appropriate.
This mart data is compiled to produce the weekly Summary of Market Prices Report. The report is provided to the approved panel of Independent Valuers. It is also included in the Reactor pack provided to farmers in a TB breakdown. When a herd goes down with TB, the Independent Valuer, selected by the herdowner in most cases, visits the holding to value animals on farm with reference to valuation guidelines and this Report to ensure that farmers are given an appropriate value for their animal(s). OFMV compensation ceilings also apply to each animal in the Scheme.
The prices paid to farmers for TB reactor animals by approved meat processing facilities are reported to my Department on a weekly basis but those prices are not included as part of the process when compiling the weekly Summary of Market Prices report.
Once a valuation has been agreed by both the herdowner and my Department, the animals are removed for slaughter.
On receipt of factory dockets from the herdowner, which details the salvage value paid by the meat processing facility for the TB reactor animal, my Department issues payment for the remainder of the valuation bringing the amount up to the market value assigned by the independent valuer. The herdowner thus receives the relevant salvage value. I am satisfied that the summary prices produced on a weekly basis provides a fair reflection to both the farmer and my Department of the market value for bovine animals.
173. Deputy Ryan O'Meara asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if there will be an allocation made to Irish Beef Farmers from the Brexit Adjustment Reserve following on from the fall in trade of Irish beef exports to the UK in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52130/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR) was established by the European Union in 2021 to assist Member States in managing the adverse impacts of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the EU.
The reference period for expenditure to be eligible for BAR-funding was 2020-2023. There are no additional rounds of funding from this Reserve.
The BAR regulation provided that each Member State must submit to the Commission an application for a financial contribution from the Reserve in which the Member States will, inter alia, document their expenditure stemming from measures carried out with BAR support. Against this background, the Commission will only then assess and determine eligibility of BAR funds.
Ireland made its submission for funding from the Reserve in September 2024 as required by the BAR regulation. The claim package included expenditure of €363m related to my Department.
Ireland’s overall claim for drawdown of BAR funding is subject to an audit and review process currently being carried out by the European Commission. Confirmation of final figures and specifics of the claim package must await the conclusion of the review process which is expected this year.
174. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in the context of Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the steps being taken to secure an increased CAP budget that reflects the strategic importance of agriculture for food security, environmental sustainability and rural development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52202/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe overall budget for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027 will form part of the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which is negotiated at EU level by Finance Ministers and, ultimately, agreed by Heads of State and Government. In Ireland, the Department of Finance and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade lead on these negotiations, in close consultation with my Department and the Department of the Taoiseach.
The Commission’s proposal for the next MFF includes a significant reduction in the ring-fenced CAP budget compared with the current programming period. While the proposals would provide Member States with the possibility of transferring funding from the wider National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP) envelope into the CAP, further clarity is required on how these provisions would operate in practice.
I have previously emphasised that the future CAP must be adequately funded to support viable farm incomes, food security, environmental sustainability, generational renewal and vibrant rural communities. I have also highlighted the importance of ensuring that the CAP continues to provide farmers with the certainty and stability required to respond to increasing market, climate and geopolitical challenges.
As Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Ireland’s role will be to facilitate discussions and to act as an honest broker in advancing negotiations. In parallel, I will continue to engage with my Government colleagues, the European Commission and my ministerial counterparts across the European Union as discussions on the future CAP and wider MFF progress.
175. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the engagement undertaken at EU level regarding the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) and its potential impact on Irish agri-food exports; the assessment his Department has made of the implications of CBAM for the competitiveness of Irish agriculture and food processing sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52203/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are no fertilisers manufactured in Ireland, rather fertiliser companies blend a number of imported fertiliser products suitable for agricultural use in Ireland. Accordingly, the imposition of the CBAM levy, combined with the phase-out of the ETS free allowances, will inevitably lead to a rise in fertiliser prices in Ireland, regardless of origin (EU or non-EU). Given that fertiliser is a significant input cost in many production systems, CBAM will also have knock-on impacts on the cost of food production.
Negotiations in respect of CBAM are led by the Department of Finance. The relevant Council has come to an agreement on the inclusion of a new Article 27a in the draft amending Regulation, providing a means of removing a commodity from the requirements of the CBAM in the event that the imposition of the levy is having serious and unforeseen consequences on price. Trilogues will now take place with the European Parliament and Commission on this draft Regulation, led on behalf of the Council by the Department of Finance during Ireland's Presidency term.
My Department will continue to engage with relevant Departments and with stakeholders on the implications of CBAM.
176. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if consideration will be given to ensuring that the new biomethane capital grant programme provides support for farm-scale biogas plants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52204/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOverall national energy policy formation is the direct responsibility of my colleague Minister Darragh O’Brien in the Department of Climate Energy and the Environment (DCEE). My Department works closely with DCEE on energy related matters from an agricultural perspective, as well as with a wide range of industry and other stakeholder groups.
As the Deputy is aware, my Department co-led the development of the National Biomethane Strategy which was published in 2024. This was Ireland’s first major policy statement on Biomethane and was first and foremost Agri-centric.
Upon publication of the Strategy, my Department also announced it had secured funding for a capital grant under REPowerEU and this was made available to kickstart an agri-led Biomethane industry. Applicants proposing to produce Biomethane from agricultural feedstocks were eligible to apply for this initial capital funding, as a key aim of the initial grant support was to develop an agri-led AD sector.
The strategy highlighted the importance of farm scale AD plants for the sector and my Department has engaged with Ireland’s Strategic Investment Fund over a potential model for smaller scale AD. As part of these engagements, my Department has funded research to demonstrate the viability of smaller on-farm AD plants.
Another project my Department has funded is an EIP Small Biogas Demonstration Programme which is a farm-based project in Galway and led by IrBEA.
Funding of up to €200 million for the second round of capital grants has been secured by DCEE as part of the National Development Plan’s Sectoral Capital Plan for 2026-2030 and will be available to support the development of anaerobic digestion plants in Ireland from 2026.
DCEE is currently in the initial stages of putting this second capital grants scheme in place and my Department is continuing to engage and support this work. The agricultural sector will continue to play a central role in the development of the Biomethane sector in Ireland with the capacity to provide the necessary feedstocks to deliver the ambition set out in the National Climate Action Plan.
177. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will consider revising the current valuation ceilings under the on-farm market valuation scheme for TB compensation to ensure compensation reflects open market value; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52205/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland’s TB Eradication Programme has a comprehensive compensation regime in place for herd-owners who are affected by bovine TB.
My Department provides a range of financial supports that focus on compensating farmers for both direct and indirect losses incurred as a result of a TB breakdown on the farm.
The On Farm Market Valuation Scheme (OFMV) is the principal compensation measure available to Herd-owners whose herds are affected by a bovine TB breakdown in their herd. The Scheme aims to compensate farmers up to the open market value of an animal as if they were not affected by disease, subject to ceilings.
To the end of May 2026 of the 11,476 animals valued under the On Farm Market Valuation scheme just over 85% of animals were valued below the scheme ceilings.
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 farms, which is not only financial but also causes significant emotional distress for farm families.
178. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the average length of time taken from initiation to conclusion of the arbitration process under the TB compensation arrangement scheme; the number of cases currently awaiting determination by the arbitration panel; whether delays have increased in recent years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52206/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe On Farm Market Valuation Scheme (OFMV) is the principal compensation measure available to Herdowners whose herds are affected by a bovine TB breakdown in their herd. The Scheme aims to compensate farmers up to the open market value of an animal as if they were not affected by disease, subject to ceilings.
All animals valued as part of the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme are valued by independent livestock valuers. The valuer visits the holding to assess the animals and award values reflective of pricing on the open market.
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 TB. An independent expert panel will review the case and decide on the final value.
Whichever party rejected the appeal valuation may subsequently choose not to proceed with arbitration. Payment of OFMV will then be made on the basis of the appeal valuation (subject to the other party having accepted the appeal valuation).
There were 37 cases heard at Arbitration in 2025. With an average of 7 cases heard at each meeting of the Arbitration Panel.
Currently there are 4 cases awaiting to be heard by the Arbitration Panel. Under the OFMV scheme there is no fixed statutory timetable for Arbitration. However, the panel generally aims to meet four times per year. The date and location for a hearing is determined by the number of cases outstanding and the locations of the Herdowners to be scheduled.
Other factors also contribute in the timing of a hearing of the Arbitration Panel, including but not limited to, the number of outstanding cases to be heard, the requirement of relevant documents and submissions from Herdowners and my Department, the availability of panel members, representatives or Herdowners, the availability of designated meeting locations etc.
Compensation due under the On Farm Market Valuation Scheme in respect of cases which can (in line with legislative requirements) proceed to Arbitration cannot be finally determined until the Arbitration hearing has been concluded. On that basis, arrangements are made for an interim payment being approximately 85% - 90% of the lower valuation to issue to the Herdowner. The issuing of any payment due is subject to receipt of all relevant documentation required by the RVO and to the checks carried out for compliance with scheme criteria.
All Arbitration Hearings are conducted in accordance with the legislation governing compensation, and the 2010 Arbitration Act. The decision of the Arbitration Panel is final and binding on both parties.
179. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if the Government will draw down funding from the EU fertiliser support plan to provide direct payments to farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52274/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe European Commission's Fertiliser Action Plan, published on 19 May 2026, aims to improve short-term affordability and availability of fertilisers, strengthen strategic autonomy and domestic resilience over the medium term, and improve transparency and dialogue across the supply chain.
The headline short-term measure is a mechanism to improve liquidity for farmers through the CAP Strategic Plan, while other measures include a higher rate of advance payment for direct payments (increasing from 70% to 75%) and an earlier payment date. These proposals are being considered by my Department.
The European Commission has also proposed emergency financial support for farmers funded through the agricultural crisis reserve, with an indicative allocation of €15.3 million for Ireland. The detailed rules attached to this exceptional aid remain to be clarified by the European Commission, and I will then reflect on the most appropriate way to use this funding.
180. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he intends to implement the recommendations of the report on generational renewal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52275/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere are a wide range of supports are in place to encourage timely succession, facilitate generational renewal and assist young farmers in establishing viable farm businesses. The Report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming estimated that total financial support to generational renewal in Ireland was some €428.6m in 2024. However, farm succession is a complex issue and there are many factors that impact farmers’ decisions and that is why the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming was established.
The Commission adopted an objective, evidence-based approach to examining all the factors involved and engaged closely with stakeholders. They have produced a thorough analysis and have made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas including CAP Supports; Pensions; Taxation; Access to Finance; Access to Land; Collaborative Arrangements; Advisory Services; Education and Training; Gender Balance; and the Overall Attractiveness of the Sector. This work will ensure that Ireland has a well-researched basis to make optimal use of the policy tools available to encourage young people, who are the lifeblood of farming, into the sector. It ensures we have a comprehensive, well-considered foundation for future policy on generational renewal.
An implementation group in my Department has considered the recommendations and progress is being monitored on an ongoing basis. Some of the recommendations may be commenced in the short term, but some will be more medium term.
The current CAP is fully programmed. Recommendations around CAP supports will have to be considered in the context of the next round, post 2027.
Some recommendations in relation to taxation have already been implemented and more are being examined in the context of the next Budget.
I am consulting with my colleague the Minister for Social Protection in relation to the recommendations around pensions.
Discussions with Teagasc are ongoing regarding education & training and advisory services recommendations.
The gender balance recommendation is being progressed through my Department’s Women in Agriculture initiatives.
I want to restate my commitment to ensuring an enabling environment that encourages young people to farm and to secure a viable and sustainable future for the agri-food sector.
181. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the way in which beef found to have tuberculosis present at the time of slaughtering is processed; if this beef is processed for human consumption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52276/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe rules relating to the management of meat from any bovine found to have TB at post-mortem examination following slaughter are set out in EU Commission Regulation 2019/627 (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32019R0627&from=EN). These are followed in all Food Businesses engaged in bovine slaughter in Ireland, under my Department's supervision.
The procedure is that all meat from cattle in which post-mortem inspection has revealed localised lesions, similar to tuberculoid lesions, in a number of organs or a number of areas of the carcass, are declared unfit for human consumption. However, where a tuberculoid lesion has been found in the lymph nodes of only one organ or only one part of the carcass, only the affected organ or part of the carcass and the associated lymph nodes are declared unfit for human consumption.
182. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is concerned regarding the high volume of importing of Brazilian beef impact on public health, since the EU commission announced plans to remove it from the EU safe food list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52277/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 12th May, the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed voted in favour of a draft Commission Implementing Regulation (EU). The effect of this regulation was to amend Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/405 as regards the restrictions of the prohibition on the use of certain antimicrobial medicinal products and to repeal Implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/2598. Regulation 2021/405 lists the third countries, or regions thereof, authorised for entry into the Union of certain animals and products of animal origin. The amended list omits Brazil as an approved country for entry of meat and meat products into the EU with effect from September 3rd thereby excluding Brazilian beef from the EU market from that date. Specifying a delayed application date is not unusual as it provides international trading partners with the necessary transition period to adapt supply chains and to comply with the regulation. This decision reflects a robust response by the EU in maintaining high EU SPS standards across the union.
In 2025, the CSO recorded that the total volume of beef imported into Ireland was 40,910 metric tonnes of which Brazil accounted for less than 1% (172 metric tonnes).
183. Deputy Natasha Newsome Drennan asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he is satisfied with the recent Bord Bia report, given its failure to adequately address public concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest arising from the chairperson's involvement in the importation of Brazilian beef into Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52278/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the report following the completion of the independent governance review into the Board of Bord Bia.
The review found that the vast majority of Board members view Mr Murrin’s performance as Chair very positively, noting that he provides clear leadership of the Board and maintains an appropriate focus on governance and strategy.
The review did not find that conflicts of interest were improperly managed.
The review did make some recommendations aimed at strengthening Bord Bia’s governance framework. The recommendations for improvement in the report are directed at governance processes generally and Board members understanding of these processes and not at the Chair or any other Board member personally.
I have written to the chair requesting the Board develop a timely and effective Action Plan to address the recommendations in the report and will be seeking regular updates on progress.
I am confident that the implementation of the recommendations from this independent review will help to further strengthen the Board of Bord Bia in fulfilling its important mandate.
184. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he will review the new contract for milk suppliers to a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52316/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraContracts between suppliers and processors are private commercial matters and my Department has no role in reviewing them.
An Rialálaí Agraibhia (the Agri-Food Regulator), a state body established under the aegis of my Department in December 2023, is performing a critical role in both providing greater transparency in the operation of the agricultural and food supply chain, and enforcing the rules on unfair trading practices.
I would encourage any supplier with specific concerns about a supply contract to contact the Regulator through its website: Agri Food Regulator (www.agrifoodregulator.ie/)
185. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the key measures taken to improve childcare and early learning services since January 2025; her priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51935/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraKey measures taken to improve Early Learning and Childcare since 2025 and the priorities for the rest of 2026.
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Undertake a broad consultation and publish a detailed Action Plan to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible early childhood education and care system with State-led facilities adding capacity. |
"Shaping the Future: The Early Years Action Plan, Phase 1 report (published on the 17 of December 2025) sets out measures to achieve key Programme for Government commitments on the affordability, quality, and accessibility of early learning and care and school-age childcare. One of the central objectives of Shaping the Future is to reduce parental fees to a maximum of €200 per month over the lifetime of the Government. The Action Plan adopts a phased approach that enables action to be taken in 2026 while allowing adequate time for a broad public consultation and analysis on longer-term actions. In line with the Programme for Government commitment, a broad public consultation process is currently underway. An online survey has been completed, with more than 11,000 responses. Approximately 50 local consultation events took place between the 20 - 30 April 2026 with the support of the City and County Childcare Committees. Phase 2 actions will be published later in 2026 and will be undertaken from 2027 through to the end of 2029. Phase 2 actions will include a roadmap to reduce parental fees to a maximum of €200 per month over the lifetime of the Government. The second report detailing 2027-2029 actions will be published later in 2026, following broad public consultation which is needed because of the nature and scale of reforms under consideration in the Programme for Government." |
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Extend the National Childcare Scheme to childminders working in the family home, with sensible regulations that fit home-based care. |
All paid, non-relative childminders who work in their own homes can now register with Tusla and access the National Childcare Scheme. 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. |
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Reduce the Administrative Burden on ELC and SAC providers |
"Simplify and Support, the Action Plan for Simplification was published in December 2025, in line with the Programme for Government commitment to reduce the administrative burden on early learning and childcare providers.
Simplify and Support focuses on a vision to create an early learning and childcare sector where administrative and regulatory requirements are simple, transparent and proportionate - improving access to programmes and schemes for children and parents and enabling providers, early years educators and school-age practitioners to focus on delivering high-quality early learning and childcare - while ensuring the highest standards of child safety, high-quality experiences and accountability for Exchequer funding.
The Action Plan focuses on eight key objectives: 1. Simplify the programmes and schemes 2. Streamline and align regulatory and compliance requirements 3. Upgrade the digital system and improve user experience 4. Embed ‘Once-only’ data capture 5. Clear, consolidated, accessible guidance 6. Strengthen provider capacity and sector supports 7. Enhance coordination and alignment between agencies 8. Simplify processes and reduce administrative requirements on parents
Implementation of Simplify and Support is being led by the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality, supported by a Cross Sectoral Group providing oversight. The Cross Sectoral Group, which is current being convened, will establish a set of key performance indicators to measure the effectiveness of simplification efforts and will publish an annual report of progress.
Some key projects currently underway this year include: • An independent review of financial compliance checks associated with programmes and schemes to identify opportunities for automation, rationalisation, elimination and/or standardisation; • An independent review of options for a long-term digital system for early learning and childcare.• The development of a single set of comprehensive regulations covering all centre-based services, replacing the existing early learning and care and school-age childcare regulations with a single combined set of regulations. • There are also steps being taken ahead of the new programme year to identify opportunities for automation, rationalisation, elimination and/or standardisation of administrative tasks associated with the early learning and childcare programmes, with planning on going to consolidate AIM, AIM Plus and AIM Non-Term applications into one application for programme year 2026/2027. |
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Support childminders through the Tusla registration process and expand access to local training opportunities. |
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 a short pre-registration training course. |
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Deepen co-operation and shared learnings between early years education and the Department of Education Inspectorate. |
The Department meets with the Department of Education and Youth Early Years Inspectorate regularly in multiple forums which includes opportunities for discussion of learnings from the sector. Early Years Education inspections are carried out on behalf of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality by the Department of Education and Youth (DEY) Early Years Inspectorate in early learning and care settings to evaluate and report on the quality of educational experiences of babies, toddlers and young children from birth to six years including the universal free early childhood care and education (ECCE) programme. As part of the First 5 commitment to develop a single body that provides integrated care and education inspections, work has progressed between the Department, the DEY Early Years Inspectorate and the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate. |
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Continue to provide grants that help childminders improve safety and quality through essential toys, equipment, and technology. |
The Childminding Development Grant provides up to €1,000 to assist both registered and unregistered childminders who are providing a childminding service in their own homes. In 2025, the Department has paid €413,338 to childminders through the Childminding Development Grant. The 2026 Childminding Development Grant, announced on 12 June, will see a total of €422,240 awarded to 424 childminders. |
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Introduce and expand arts programming in early childhood education and care settings, nurturing creativity from a young age |
Principles for Engaging in the Arts: A Guide for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare Settings were published in 2025, to support early years educators, school-age practitioners and childminders in promoting arts experiences. The Department supports and part-funds the Arts in Early Learning and Childcare Scheme, which is delivered by the Arts Council; in 2025, the scheme, with a budget of €290,000, saw 9 successful award recipients engage with over 30 settings. The 2026 Arts in Early Learning and Childcare Scheme closed for applications on 2 April, the successful awards will be announced shortly. The Department supports and funds the delivery of Communities of Professional Practice (COPP) for early years educators, school-age practitioners and childminders; the COPPs, facilitated by the City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs), focus on different areas of practice, based on local need, which includes STEM and the Arts. |
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Continue to implement Employment Regulation Orders to attract and retain early years educators. |
Through the Joint Labour Committee process, Employment Regulation Orders have been signed into law in September 2022, June 2024 and most recently in October 2025. The October 2025 Employment Regulation Orders provide for an average of 10% increase to minimum hourly rates of pay. It is estimated that 67% of those working in the sector saw their wages increase as a result of the new minimum pay rates. In line with the Programme for Government commitment to continue to implement Employment Regulation Orders to attract and retain early years educators a further €15m of ring-fenced funding, available from September 2026, to support the Joint Labour Committee process was secured as part of the Budget 2026 process. This will amount up to €45m for the full programme year. |
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Remove barriers in education and training for early years educators to broaden access to the profession |
Nurturing Skills Learner Fund was established to enable educators who continue to work within the sector to pursue Level 7 and 8 qualifications in support of the First 5 and subsequently Nurturing Skills objective of a 'graduate led' Early Learning and Care workforce.
The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund assists in the financial costs for Early Year’s Educators who wish to pursue Early Learning and Care qualifications approved by the Qualifications Advisory Board at level 7 and level 8 while continuing to work in the sector, in a core funded service.
The scheme applies to those Early Years Educators who are entering a Nurturing Skills Learner Fund approved course for the first time.
Nurturing Skills Learner Fund pays up to 90% of Course Fees excluding student levies.
Applications for Nurturing Skills Learner Fund 2026 are now closed. Over 550 Early Years Educators have been offered financial support to upskill to Level 7 and Level 8 Early Learning and Care Qualifications for the Academic Year 2026/2027 beginning in Autumn 2026.
Since its inception in 2024 Nurturing Skills Learner Fund have offered financial support to over 1250 Educators. |
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Introduce an ‘Earn and Learn’ apprenticeship model enabling childcare staff to gain qualifications and advance their careers. |
Pillar 4 of Nurturing Skills includes an action to examine the development of a range of entry routes into the sector, including apprenticeships or other work-based learning, and access programmes in further education and higher education. Research on alternative entry routes to the sector, including apprenticeships, has been commissioned and a final report has been received. This will inform the next steps in the delivery of this action. The establishment of a national apprenticeship is not solely a matter for the Department as the process, set out by the National Apprentice Office (NAO), requires the development of an apprenticeship to be carried out by the sector itself. The Department are aware of, and are participating in, conversations between the sector and the National Apprenticeship office. |
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Examine the establishment of a professional register for childminders and early years educators, reflecting professionalisation of the sector. |
First 5 commits to move incrementally towards the regulation of the Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare profession, building on the establishment in 2020 of the Qualifications Advisory Board and the future creation of a workforce register. Nurturing Skills restates this commitment to move incrementally towards the regulation of the profession during the lifetime of Nurturing Skills. The work of the Qualifications Advisory Board aims to ensure a rigorous qualification recognition process is a key first step to the introduction of a professional register. |
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Examine and expand the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) and make it available to younger children. |
An independent evaluation of AIM was published in January 2024. Based on the evaluation’s findings, AIM is now being extended on a phased basis as funding becomes available. Since September 2024, targeted AIM supports are available to ECCE-eligible children outside of ECCE hours—both during term time and in holiday periods. The Department is assessing the policy implications and mechanisms required to extend AIM to children under three, recognising that their needs differ from those currently supported under the model. A tailored model will be designed to support this younger age group, which will require dedicated funding and will be considered through the Annual Budget process. An additional €3.23 million was announced for AIM under Budget 2026, which will have a total allocation of €84.04 million in 2026. This will support up to 9,000 children with a disability requiring AIM supports to access and participate in the ECCE programme in 2026, |
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Resource and transform the Supply Management Unit into a Forward Planning and Delivery Unit within the Department to identify areas of need, forecast demand and deliver public supply within the childcare sector where required. |
This unit is now a Forward Planning and Delivery Unit. Additional staff have been allocated over the course of 2025 and 2026. A Forward Planning Model has been developed which can identify areas of supply/demand misalignment. A State-led early learning and childcare capital programme has been established with an allocation of €135m and project proposals are being developed and advanced. |
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Provide capital investment to build or purchase state-owned childcare facilities, to create additional capacity in areas where unmet need exists. |
€135 million will be made available between 2026 and 2030 for the State-led Early Learning and Childcare capital programme, providing high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare. The process has begun this year with preparations for investment in buildings in what is a ground-breaking initiative for the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. Capital funding will be used to acquire and/or fit out the building, depending on requirements. The Department will work with not-for-profit providers to design, open and operate services. Up to eight buildings will be selected for investment this year. The State-led initiative will provide thousands of places up to 2030 using the €135 million provided in the National Development Plan. |
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Plan the development of State-led facilities in tandem with the school building programme, including Irish-medium naíonraí. |
The potential for development of State-led facilities in tandem with the school building programme is being considered as part of the wider capital plans to develop the State-Led Early Learning and Childcare Capital Programme. Officials have met a number of times with officials from the Department of Education’s Planning and Building Unit with a view to sharing expertise and information between the Departments and identifying opportunities for future developments. |
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Work with schools to host before and after-school care, and examine start-up supports for groups involved in afterschool activities. |
Guidance on making available school buildings for early learning and childcare and other community uses is provided by the Department of Education and Youth in “Procedures on use of school buildings and sports facilities outside of school hours” published in 2024. Supporting the provision of after-school childcare in particular is strongly encouraged. 22.5% of ELC and SAC provision is delivered on school sites. School Age Childcare registrations grew by 77% from 2022 to 2025. |
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Review the 2001 Childcare Facilities Guidelines for Planning Authorities to ensure childcare spaces are provided and put into use. |
To progress this 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 of Children, Disability and Equality; 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. |
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Ensure childcare providers’ fees are open, transparent and equitable and readily available to parents. |
In July 2025, the Department commenced a Core Funding Fee Table Approval process, wherein CCCs reviewed the 2025/2026 fee tables of services that applied to the Fee Increase Assessment process in programme year 2024/2025. Accompanied by new fee table rules in programme year 2025/2026 and a fee table guideline document, this exercise promoted compliance with and understanding of scheme rules among Partner Services, as well as transparency for parents through simplification and standardisation of fee table data. For programme year 2026/2027, the fee tables of all Partner Services will be subject to the review and approval of their CCCs. |
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Review and increase core funding, ensuring the fee cap is maintained and that the model is open, transparent and equitable, and that early years educators in the private sector benefit from Employment Regulation Orders. |
In September 2025, the maximum fee caps were lowered and extended to apply to all Core Funding Partner Services, having been introduced for new Partner Services in September 2024.
Recently, it was announced that the maximum fee caps will be lowered again from September 2026. Under these new caps, no parent will pay more than €280 for care of between 40 and 50 hours per week, the most common type of full day place, prior to the deduction of National Childcare Scheme or ECCE programme subsidies. €21.4 million in brand new full-year funding was secured in Budget 2026 to support providers in adhering to Core Funding fee management conditions, including reduced fee caps, from the beginning of the fifth year of the Scheme in September. This will guarantee that Core Funding’s monetary protections will continue to be passed on to families while ensuring sustainability and stability for the sector. Since Core Funding was introduced, its effectiveness has been subject to ongoing assessment, which has facilitated the iterative evolution of this scheme.
An evaluation of the first year of Core Funding and the development of an evaluation framework for Core Funding is currently underway. This project will examine the early implementation of Core Funding and make recommendations for future evaluations of the grant supporting efficient and expedient reviews of subsequent years of the scheme. Investment in Core Funding has increased each year since its introduction in 2022 and exceeds €390 million in the current fourth year of the Scheme. This represents an increase of over 50% in Core Funding in three years.
Within the Core Funding allocation for the 2025/26 programme year, €45 million was ringfenced to support employers to meet the costs of the latest increases to the minimum rates of pay in the sector.
A new pay element of the Core Funding grant calculation, the Staff Funding Additional Contribution (SFAC), was introduced to centre-based Partner Services to facilitate the distribution of this ringfenced funding. Further investment in Core Funding was announced in Budget 2026. The additional funding being made available in 2026 will see the allocation for Core Funding in the next programme year (which begins in September 2026) increase to over €480 million. That is an additional €90 million on the current full year allocation, or a 23% increase.
The increased allocation also includes up to €45 million (in additional funding) to facilitate improved pay for early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners through enhancement of the Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) in Year 5 of the scheme. A second Staff Funding Additional Contribution element (SFAC2) will distribute this ringfenced funding in the 2026/2027 programme year. This allocation will be released once new EROs are agreed. Partner Services will continue to receive the SFAC payment that commenced in 2025/2026 from the start of the programme year 5, irrespective of the establishment of new EROs. |
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Continue to build up the Equal Start programme, ensuring children experiencing disadvantage can access and participate fully in early learning and childcare. |
Equal Start is a funding model and a set of associated universal and targeted measures to support access and meaningful participation in early learning and care (ELC) and school-age childcare (SAC) for children and their families who experience disadvantage. In 2026 to date, 824 services are receiving Equal Start targeted supports, serving over 38,000 children. Other achievements to date include: - Rollout of the ‘Bia Blasta’ pre-school nutrition programme, which commenced on 1 October 2025 for Equal Start designated services providing the ECCE Programme. - Rollout of the Traveller Parenting Support Programme in 17 Tusla areas, with responsibilities on Family Link Workers to engage with Traveller parents of young children, supporting them to attend and participate in ELC and SAC. - Appointment of Traveller and Roma Advisory Specialists to work in Better Start to promote inclusive ELC and SAC. - Roll-out of Early Talk Boost – an intervention for language delay - to settings with an Equal Start designation. |
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Explore making available an extra hour of ECCE each day in the second year of preschool. |
Policy analysis is underway to consider the implications of this change for children, parents and providers. It is being considered in the context of the results of the 2024 ECCE review and the development of Phase 2 of the Shaping the Future Action Plan. |
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We will continue to grow State involvement and investment in the sector, while working in partnership with private providers, recognising this is an important element of supply |
The original allocation for ELC and SAC increased from €1.109bn in 2024 to €1.375bn in 2025. The allocation for 2026 will be €1.524bn. In addition, €24.8m was provided for BOTP and IPAS in 2024, €10.6m in 2025 and €11m in 2026. Over the same period, the capital allocation increased from €20m to €30m and will be €43.7m in 2026. |
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Evaluate options to amend the ECCE eligibility criteria. |
Policy analysis is underway to consider the implications of this change for children, parents and providers. It is being considered in the context of the results of the 2024 ECCE review and the development of Phase 2 of the Shaping the Future Action Plan. |
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Expand the provision for newborns and their parents of a Baby Bundle, comprising essential items to support them from day one. |
The evaluation of the pilot Baby Bundle was completed. Revised costings and an updated Baby Bundle was prepared to reflect the evaluation. An additional pilot will get underway from September 2026 in Dublin’s north-east inner city. This will test staying in contact with new parents for a year after birth sending families monthly information on baby’s development and supports offered by the State. |
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Enhance the National Childcare Scheme Income-Assessed Subsidy |
Enhancements to the income-assessed subsidy are being introduced from September 2026, raising the base threshold from €26,000 to €34,000 and the maximum threshold from €60,000 to €68,000, with additional increases to the multiple child discounts.
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186. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the key measures taken to improve employment conditions in the childcare and early learning services since January 2025; her priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51936/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI believe the roles of the early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners are valuable ones, and they play an important part in supporting children's development, learning and care.
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.
In December 2023, a Sub-Group of the Early Learning and Childcare Stakeholder Forum was established to address recruitment and retention challenges. The group has advanced initiatives including:
• A Student Fast-track Process for recognition of studies to work in service out of term,
• The assessment of unfinished qualifications, where people who may have started a relevant qualification but did not get to finish it, can have what they completed assessed for meeting qualification requirements
• An agreement to promote careers in the sector
Another action from the plan currently under development is a communications campaign which will include a series of videos and information packs aimed at promoting the Early Learning and Care and School-age Childcare profession.
The packs will be provided to career guidance counsellors and other key bodies who support individuals in making education and employment decisions, with the aim of raising awareness of career opportunities and pathways within Early Learning and Care and School-age Childcare sector.
The Department acknowledges the challenges faced by staff in relation to stress and well-being, with administrative burden often cited as a key factor to those pressures. To help support the welfare and wellness of the sector, a pilot employee assistance programme will commence shortly in five CCC areas. This pilot project is an action under Equal Start: A model to support access and participation in early learning and childcare for all children. Following evaluation of the pilot the EAP will be expanded across the sector.
To further support staff retention and increase the number of degree level graduates in the sector, the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund was established to enable educators who continue to work within the sector to pursue Level 7 and 8 qualifications in support of the First 5 and subsequently Nurturing Skills objective of a 'graduate led' Early Learning and Care workforce.
The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund assists in the financial costs for early years educators who wish to pursue Early Learning and Care qualifications approved by the Qualifications Advisory Board at level 7 and level 8 while continuing to work in the sector, in a core funded service.
Nurturing Skills Learner Fund pays up to 90% of Course Fees excluding student levies. Over 550 Early Years Educators have been offered financial support to upskill to Level 7 and Level 8 Early Learning and Care Qualifications for the Academic Year 2026/2027 beginning in Autumn 2026.
Since its inception in 2024 Nurturing Skills Learner Fund have offered financial support to over 1250 Educators
The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund demonstrates how Government is already delivering on our Programme for Government commitment to ‘remove barriers in education and training for early years educators to broaden access to the profession.
Aligned to the Programme for Government commitment to introduce an ‘Earn and Learn’ apprenticeship model enabling staff in this sector to gain qualifications and advance their careers, Pillar 4 of Nurturing Skills includes an action to examine the development of a range of entry routes into the sector, including apprenticeships or other work-based learning, and access programmes in further education and higher education. Research on alternative entry routes was received recently.
The Department is reviewing the research, with a view to using it to inform next steps. While Nurturing Skills commits to examine alternative entry-routes, the development of an apprenticeship would rely on the formulation of proposals by the sector and would require approval by the National Apprenticeship Office.
Pay 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 JLC and successive ERO’s, 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 ERO 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.
For programme year 2026/2027, I recently announced that Core Funding will be increased by 23% to €480 million. An additional €45 million has also been ringfenced from September 2026 to support services in meeting the potential costs of increasing rates of pay, contingent upon new ERO’s being enacted following successful negotiations by the independent JLC.
In line with the commitment in the Programme for Government to continue to support Employment Regulation Orders to attract and retain early years educators, I met with JLC representatives in April to outline the Government's continued support for the improvement of pay for educators and practitioners working in the sector and the Joint Labour Committee process.
The Department continues to support the Joint Labour Committee and the negotiation process by fulfilling data requests which it has received from the JLC members.
187. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the key equality measures since January 2025; her priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51938/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department is currently collating the information requested and a reply will issue directly to the Deputy on this matter as soon as possible.
188. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the key measures taken in child protection services since January 2025; her priorities for same for the rest of 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51939/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department published an addendum to the Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children 2017, titled Dealing with Adult Retrospective Disclosures of Childhood Abuse in April 2025. This addendum relates to the legal responsibilities of mandated persons in cases where an adult discloses to them that they were abused as a child. The addendum was developed in consultation with Tusla, the HSE and members of the Children First Interdepartmental Implementation Group and provides important clarity for professionals working in this space.
The statutory Children First Inter-Departmental Implementation Group includes representatives from every Government Department, the HSE, Tusla and An Garda Síochána. Since January 2025, the Department has continued its role in monitoring and supporting implementation of the Children First Act 2015 through this structure, including submission of the of the Children First Inter-Departmental Implementation Group 2024 Annual Report to me. This work continues in 2026.
The Department has been working with the Implementation Group on a number of actions to strengthen the wider safety net of children. This includes work to map key service contact points with children from birth to six years old, to identify where potential blind spots may emerge. It is a priority for me that this work delivers recommendations on where measures can be introduced to strengthen child protection processes across key services for children. This project is nearly completed, and I will consider the final Report with its recommendations when it is submitted to me for consideration.
In January 2025, The Executive Office, Guardian ad litem National Service was established. The Executive Office is tasked with the development of a project implementation plan for the commencement of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2022. On the 23rd of June last, I announced the launch of the Guardian Ad Litem Service, which is a landmark moment for children in care in Ireland. This reform is about strengthening the voice of the child in care proceedings and ensuring that their best interests remain at the heart of every decision. The new National Service is replacing the fragmented Guardian Ad Litem service with a new structure underpinned by clear governance, standards, and accountability. Significant work has already taken place to ensure operational readiness for the new National Service. This includes workforce planning, recruitment, governance, and the development of new systems to support service delivery and data management. Work will continue in 2026 and beyond, in expanding the national service.
The Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2025 has been published and, as of 9 December 2025, has been initiated in the Houses of the Oireachtas. The Bill will revise and update the Child Care Act 1991 to reflect changes in the child welfare and protection sector in Ireland and capture current legislative, policy and practice developments.
The proposed amendments in this Bill will support Tusla to deliver more effectively on its duties to children and families, through the introduction of guiding principles designed to strengthen the focus on the best interests of the child. It will better align Ireland’s legislation with the requirements of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and give further effect to Article 42A of the Constitution on the rights of the child.
It contains new measures to strengthen inter-agency co-operation and national coordination on child protection. Designated public bodies will be required to proactively share information and collaborate to deliver more coordinated and effective services, which will promote a more agile response across the State in keeping children safe from harm.
I will also be bringing forward amendments via the Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2025, to place the National Review Panel on a statutory footing. This will further enhance the work of the National Review Panel, as well as strengthening its independence and its ability to compel information and witnesses in respect of all reviews that it undertakes. Drafting of the amendments is underway and I intend to bring these forward with the Bill for discussion at Committee Stage.
Following Budget 2026, Tusla’s overall funding now stands at €1.371bn, an increase of 14% over its budget in 2025. This money will ensure that Tusla can continue to manage over 100,000 referrals annually. This investment supports Tusla’s multi-pronged, sustained strategy to address the recruitment and retention of child protection staff.
Budget 2026 includes funding for innovative “earn and learn” social work and social care work apprenticeship courses programmes and sponsorship. University College Cork introduced two new pathways into social work in 2024, which is expected to increase annual graduate output by 20%.
In relation to the difficulties in recruiting additional social workers, there is a commitment in the programme for Government to double the number of college places for social workers. In June 2025, the Government approved an expansion in training places for a range of health and social care professionals. This will provide up to 361 additional student places by 2028, including college places for social workers.
The post-COVID Wellbeing Check project, which commenced in October, 2025 and is being undertaken in two phases, is making steady progress. The Wellbeing Check is focused on cases that were closed by child protection services during the COVID-19 period and relates to cases where there has been no further contact with the child since. The purpose of the Wellbeing Check is to proactively test and strengthen the current safety net the State provides for children’s welfare and protection, and to provide assurances about the welfare of vulnerable children.
The Wellbeing Check is being overseen by an independent Steering Group chaired by Tanya Ward, CEO of the Children’s Rights Alliance. The membership of the Steering Group has been finalised and includes representatives from this Department and the Departments of Social Protection; Health; Education and Youth; Justice, Home Affairs and Migration; along with representatives from the Health Service Executive; Central Statistics Office; Tusla, Barnardos and an independent social work expert. The Steering Group has already met 16 times to date. I will consider any recommendations that arise.
In 2026 Tusla is implementing its Integrated Reform Programme with the introduction of revised structures and systems which will go live in January, 2026. The aims/benefits of the reform programme are as follows; to promote equity in service availability, promote capacity and promote quality of services. Some of the important measures are as follows:
• Tusla is moving from 17 Areas in 6 regions to 30 Areas/Networks in 6 Regions. This will lead to a far more equitable distribution of children across Areas/Networks.
• Staff will work as part of multidisciplinary teams to ensure a range of professionals with different skills are available to respond to the needs of children, young people and families in the right way at the right time
• Tusla will have “one single front door” in each Area/Network, ensuring all referrals are screened by a multidisciplinary teams and offered the right support from the first point of contact.
• Tusla is improving its case management system. Key to this is the creation of a single record for each child and young person which will support integrated working including more streamlined referral and allocation system for residential care, improved communications, accurate data to improve decision making on an individual level and also resource allocation.
• Tusla is simplifying its standard business processes to reduce inefficiencies and maximise time with children and families facilitating more focus on direct contact and relationship building.
• Tusla is scaling up its alternative care placement capacity across emergency, mainstream and specialist services across the country to ensure more timely access to residential care for those that need it.
• Tusla is improving its engagement with community and voluntary services to ensure resources are being allocated in the most effective way to respond to the needs of the population in each Area.
The Department continues to lead out on the Cross-Governmental Coordination of the implementation of the Barnahus model in Ireland and chair the Barnahus Interdepartmental Group with representatives from Department of Health, Department of Justice, Tusla, An Garda Síochána, the Health Service Executive and Children’s Health Ireland and this work continues in 2026.
The Department continues to work with and support Tusla, and partners across Government, in strengthening our child protection and welfare systems.
