Early Childhood Care and Education
Dail Éireann — 2026-09-17
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Norma Foley (FF), Kerry

I recognise the Deputy's sterling work in a personal capacity as Chair of the children and equality committee, her leadership in that respect and her personal commitment to the issues in relation to early years in childcare. The view shared by the committee that the Deputy chairs excellently, and across Government, is that we should improve access to quality and affordable early learning and childcare opportunities.
Early learning and childcare capacity is increasing. Data from the annual early years sector profile for 2024-25 shows that the estimated number of enrolments increased by approximately 25% from the 2021-22 programme year. A 25% increase in those three years is significant. However, it appears, and I absolutely accept, that demand for early learning and childcare remains higher than available supply in certain parts of the country, particularly for younger children.
The Department supports the ongoing development and resourcing of core funding, which has given rise to significant expansion of places since the scheme was first introduced, and this will continue to be the case in 2027. Core funding, which is presently in its fifth 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.
Budget 27, as the Deputy is aware, is currently being considered by the Government in the context of the annual Estimates process, which officials are actively engaging in. I have also engaged directly with the Minister, Deputy Jack Chambers. The Deputy will therefore appreciate that it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this stage other than to say openly that I am pursuing an ambitious budget package intended to reduce costs to parents, to support providers in the workforce and to increase the availability of places.
In addition to current funding to expand capacity, the Government is also supporting the expansion of early learning and childcare capacity through capital funding. We are doing this through a number of different mechanisms, including schemes like building blocks and the State-led initiative. In terms of building blocks, capital funding schemes have been in operation since 2024. The building blocks extension scheme is currently operating and will deliver quality, affordable, full daycare places for those aged under three across the country.

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Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:48+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-09-17