Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation
Dail Éireann — 2026-05-07
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Helen McEntee (FG), Meath East

It is the case that commercial early years providers have always paid rates. However, there is a long-standing agreement or exemption for community not-for-profit services, that is, those that solely offer early childhood care and the ECCE programme. The Minister, Deputy Foley, is aware of a small number that are now starting to be charged and where issues are emerging. She wants to respond, given the importance of early learning and what the Deputy has raised, and she is giving her full attention to the matter. She has met the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, specifically the Minister, Deputy Browne. She is hoping to be able to come to a conclusion or find a solution to this. She is very aware of the problem and obviously wants to address it. It is a long-standing practice that where a not-for-profit body is solely providing this service, it would not be included in rates. We just need to work through this.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-05-07/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:46+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-05-07