Minister Foley announces five new Family Resource Centres

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The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, has today announced the establishment of five new Family Resource Centres (FRCs) in Dublin, Monaghan, Louth, Kildare and Galway as part of the expansion of the Tusla National Programme for 2025. The successful services are as follows:

Dublin – Cabra Family Community Development Group, St Finbarr’s GAA Club, Faussagh Avenue, Cabra, Dublin 7

Monaghan – South Monaghan FRC Advisory Group, 1 Oriel Way, Mullaghmatt, County Monaghan

Louth – Dundalk Counselling Service, Oakdene, 3 Seatown Place, Dundalk, County Louth

Kildare – Leixlip Youth and Community Centre, Newtown House, Captains Hill, Leixlip, County Kildare

Galway – Bru Bhride, Churchview, Tuam, County Galway

A comprehensive national application and assessment process was undertaken, led by Tusla and independently chaired by a representative of the University of Limerick.

All applications were reviewed and scored against the clearly defined and published criteria, including population need, level of deprivation, child population data, existing service provision and existing service gaps.

With this expansion, the number of Family Resource Centres will increase from 121 to 126. There is a commitment in the Programme for Government to expand the capacity and network of Family Resource Centres going forward over the lifetime of Government.

Minister Foley said:

“I am pleased to announce this expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme. These centres are a cornerstone of local communities, providing trusted, inclusive support to families and children where and when they need it. This is about targeted, community-led investment that will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I want to thank the independent chair and Tusla for their work. The expansion of the network of Family Resource Centres is a commitment in the Programme for Government and I look forward to further developments in this area over the lifetime of Government.”

The Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:

“This Government is committed to strengthening families and communities. The expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme reflects that commitment in action, delivering services into the heart of towns and rural areas where they will have the greatest impact.”

Tusla CEO, Kate Duggan, said:

“Family Resource Centres are a vital part of Tusla’s community support infrastructure. Today’s announcement reflects months of work grounded in data, planning, and consultation. We are delighted to welcome new centres into the programme and look forward to working with them to support children and families across the country.”

Implementation Support

The successful applicants will be allocated core funding of €160,000 for each full year of operation. The Family Resource Centre National Forum will engage with the successful applicants to support integration with the Family Resource Centre Programme. The National Forum will assist new centres in building links with existing FRCs, offering practical guidance and partnership to ensure smooth integration into the national Programme. Further information on the Forum’s work is available at www.familyresource.ie.

ENDS

Notes to editors

For media queries, please contact:

Department of Children, Disability and Equality Press Office

Press.office@dcde.gov.ie

Telephone: 016473153

Tusla Communications Unit

comms@tusla.ie

Minister Foley announces funding of over €1 million for digital and assistive technology projects for disabled people

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley TD has announced funding of over €1 million for digital and assistive technology projects for disabled people.

These for digital and assistive technology projects support people with sensory, cognitive, physical, and intellectual disabilities. This includes older people who experience difficulties carrying out everyday functions that were once routine, as well as people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, stroke, cancer, Parkinson’s disease or dementia.

Grants of €75,000–€200,000 are available for each digital and assistive technology project under the next phase of the HSE’s Cooperative Real Engagement for Assistive Technology Enhancement (CREATE) initiative. Applications for funding can be made from today.

Minister Foley said:

“I am delighted to announce over €1 million in funding for new digital and assistive technology projects under the CREATE initiative. These projects can involve the use of walking devices, voice assistant technology, interactive sensory equipment, motion sensors, talking pens and smart home devices. They have had a positive impact on the lives of disabled people. These new projects will be focused on using assistive technology for personal mobility, vision, hearing, communication and accessibility.

I hope this further funding support will improve the health, well-being, participation and inclusion of disabled people taking part in the projects. I am committed to expanding the use of digital and assistive technology, which is something that everyone in society is likely to need during their lifetime, particularly as they age.”

The CREATE initiative is managed by the National Clinical Programme for People with Disability (NCPPD) within the Health Service Executive (HSE).

Minister of State for Disability Hildegarde Naughton said:
“I am proud to announce the launch of our call for applications for funding that will support innovative assistive technology solutions for people with disabilities. Access to assistive technology can transform lives, enable greater independence, inclusion and opportunity. Our priority with this initiative is about empowering individuals to fully participate in every aspect of society. CREATE III will help embed assistive technology into the heart of our health and social care systems so that everyone has the tools and support they need to participate fully in society. Acknowledging this Government’s commitment to the UNCRPD, we will continue to pursue opportunities to enhance the lived experience of people with disabilities through enhanced access to assistive technology.”

Dr Rosemary Gowran, HSE Clinical Lead, National Clinical Programme for People with Disability, added:
“Ireland is working to enhance and advance assistive technology service sustainability nationally. CREATE III brings a new focus on local systems strengthening of existing and developing services through practice, innovation, education, and training.”

There have been two existing phases of CREATE. CREATE I received funding of €2 million for 11 projects in 2022. CREATE II received funding of €750,000 in 2023 to support ongoing projects and to advance 9 new projects.

These projects have enhanced disability services and supports for children and adults using disability services, as well as providing support for the staff delivering the services. Assistive Technology has been provided in libraries and education and training platforms. Alternative and Augmentative Communication technology was provided to help people who struggle with speech. Assistive technology clinics were delivered by multidisciplinary teams.

CREATE III is the third iteration of the CREATE initiative and has two main areas of focus

  1. Design, Demonstrate and Implement Good Assistive Technology Service Delivery
  2. Create Accessible Digital Education, Training and Resource Hubs for all Projects
  • Funding call opens: 15 August 2025 (Queries accepted from 15–25 August 2025)
  • Deadline to apply: 12 noon, 22 September 2025

Notes

CREATE III is managed by the National Clinical Programme for People with Disability (NCPPD) within the Health Service Executive (HSE). This new phase will advance Ireland’s leadership in assistive technology by supporting co-produced, sustainable service delivery systems and developing accessible education and training resources.

This investment is aligned with the WHO Global Report on Assistive Technology, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Two Key Focus Areas of CREATE III:

🔹 1. Design, Demonstrate, and Implement Good Assistive Technology Service Delivery
Projects will develop and deliver assistive products and services in:

  • Personal Mobility
  • Vision
  • Hearing
  • Communication
  • Accessibility

All projects must incorporate sustainability approaches such as:

  • Receiving
  • Reviewing
  • Repairing
  • Reusing
  • Refurbishing
  • Recycling

🔹 2. Create Accessible Digital Education, Training, and Resource Hubs for All
Projects will develop universally designed digital platforms to support education, training, and resources, using the Seven Universal Design Principles:

  1. Equitable Use
  2. Flexibility in Use
  3. Simple and Intuitive Use
  4. Perceptible Information
  5. Tolerance for Error
  6. Low Physical Effort
  7. Size and Space for Approach and Use

Funding Details:

  • Grants available: €75,000–€200,000
  • Managed by: National Clinical Programme for People with Disability (NCPPD), HSE
  • Applications must show:
    • A strong record in assistive technology services
    • A person- and family-centred approach
    • Commitment to collaboration
    • Plans to pilot or scale up innovations
    • Clear evaluation methods

Important Dates:

  • Funding call opens: 15 August 2025 (Queries accepted from 15–25 August 2025)
  • Deadline to apply: 12 noon, 22 September 2025

Questions?
📧 Email: ncp.disability@hse.ie
(Queries accepted from 15–25 August 2025)

Minister Foley launches €4.2 million Bia Blasta lunch scheme for pre-school children in disadvantaged areas

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The Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, Norma Foley TD today announced the launch of Bia Blasta (Delicious Food), the pre-school nutrition programme, to provide daily lunches for pre-school children in disadvantaged areas.

Around €4.2 million in funding will be provided to ensure that 25,000 children get a nutritious meal while attending early learning and care services with the highest concentrations of disadvantage in the country.

It will tackle child food poverty, reducing the risk of children going hungry or missing meals. It will also ensure they learn about and enjoy nutritious foods, with the help of a dedicated dietitian to advise and support participating services.

Mealtimes will be provided within a learning framework that builds children’s experiences of nutritious foods, along with the experience of preparing, sharing, and clearing up after meals.

This is the latest initiative under the Equal Start funding model, which provides universal and targeted measures for children in disadvantaged areas in early learning and care and school-age childcare.

Announcing the new Bia Blasta programme, Minister Foley said:

“There is very strong evidence that giving nutritious lunches to children in disadvantaged areas will combat the risk of hunger as well as improving their attention levels and overall wellbeing.

Bia Blasta is another very positive initiative under the Equal Start model, which is delivering crucial supports to children attending early learning and care and school age childcare in disadvantaged areas.

My special thanks to all of the dedicated early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners working to deliver this model.

A total of €3.2 million is available to deliver the programme in 2025. €1m is also being made available up to the end of this year for services participating in Bia Blasta to purchase approved items up to a value of €1,000 per service to enable them to deliver the pre-school nutrition programme. This will include equipment such as a fridge, freezer, dishwasher, hob, or oven.

Bia Blasta will be provided to all existing Equal Start-funded services in the free, universal two-year preschool Early Childhood Care and Education Programme (ECCE). This is expected to cater for around 15,000 children

In addition to these existing services with a priority designation under Equal Start, the Equal Start Identification Model will be drawn upon to target additional ECCE- only services that are serving high numbers of children experiencing disadvantage . This is expected to cater for another 10,000 children.

All early learning and care and school-age childcare services in Ireland are required by legislation to provide meals, with the type and frequency of meals dependent on the hours per day a child attends. Children in full day care (over 5 hours) must, for example, receive 2 meals and 2 snacks each day by regulation whereas children in the 3-hour free pre-school programme typically bring lunch boxes from home.

The Bia Blasta programme will be the first time that dedicated funding is provided for children who attend the 3-hour free pre-school programme, and who typically bring lunch boxes from home.

Notes

Carlow

Service Name

Anne’s Montessori Playschool

Apple Tree Pre-School

Askea Community Childcare Centre

Cill an Oir Afterschool

Dolmen Nursery

John Sweeney Park Afterschool

Kilkenny Road Community Childcare & Family Centre

Little Fairies Early Learning Centre

Natures Way Borris

New Oak /Askea Afterschool

Respond Early Years Service, Slaney View

Sherpa Kids Scoil Mhuire Lourdes (SMLT)

St. Catherines Community Services Centre

Stepping Stones Community Childcare Service

Cavan

Service Name

Bailieborough Development Association Ltd (BDA)

Bailieborough Resource Hse

Circle of Friends Childcare Services

Claddagh Childcare Limited

Cootehill Community Childcare

Krafty Kidz Afterschool

KraftyKidz Daisy Hill

Laochra Academy St. Clares

Tullacmongan Childcare Service

Clare

Service Name

Cairde Beag Kilrush

Curious Minds Quilty

FunScoil Deilfeanna Beaga

Josie’s Montessori

Labasheeda Learn and Play CLG

Little Acorns Pre-School

Moveen NS before and After schools

Ms Gráinnes Holy Family Montessori School

Naíonra Ui Choimin

Nicole’s Kidz Klub

Obair Newmarket on Fergus CLG (24CE0288)

Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus CLG (09CE0105)

Redeemer Preschool

Respond Early Years Service, Stonecourt

RTB Preschool

Scariff Playgroup

St Senans Montessori

Sunshine Montessori School

Woodstock Montessori School

Cork City

Service Name

Baile Beag

Barnardos Brighter Futures

Bessborough Centre Creche

Blarney Street Afterschool Club

Blossom Grove

Bright Start ELC Ltd.

first friends rathpeacon pre school

Glenfields Community Childcare

Glentrasna Preschool

Hollyhill Knocknaheeny Family Centre

Kids Inc Togher

Lotamore Family Resource Centre & Preschool

Mahon Community Development Project

Mayfield Community Pre school

Mount Eden Montessori

Muin Preschool

Na Paisti Mor

Newbury House Family Centre

Northside Community Enterprises Ltd. t/a Little Hands Childcare & Education Centre

Paisti

Páisti @ No. 3

Respond Early Years Service, Millpark

Scoil Ursula Creche ( BOM)

St Mary’s on the Hill National School BOM

St. Patrick’s Preschool and After School CareService

Stepping Stones

Sue’s afterschool programme

Sunday’s Well Montessori

The Fun Club

Tír na nÓg Glen Community Creche

Tír na nÓg Montessori School

Togher Family Centre

TVG Goras Community Childcare

County Cork

Service Name

ANCHOR PLAYSCHOOL

Busy Bees

Carleton Wharf Pre-School

Carrigtwohill Family Resource Centre CLG

Catherines Playschool

CHERRYBLOSSOMS CHILDCARE LISGRIFFIN

Cobh Youth Services Ltd

Countryside Before and Afterschool Service

Curious Minds Millstreet

Curious Minds Tullylease

Fermoy Community Preschool and Afterschool CLG

Liscarroll Community Care Playschool

Oasis Playroom

Respond Early Years Service, Oakfield Close

Riverside House Montessori School

Sherpa Kids Bunscoil Mhuire Youghal (BMSY)

Sherpa Kids Scoil Isogain Aghada National School

Sherpa Kids St. Josephs GNS

Youghal Family Resource Initiative

Youghal Family Resource Initiative 2

Donegal

Service Name

ABC Centre

Amanda’s Cots ‘N’ Tots

Aurora’s Hobbits Limited

Bizzy Bee’s

Bocan Community

Bright Beginnings Preschool

Buncrana Community Playgroup

Busy Bee Playschool

Cara House Children’s Centre

Clonmany Community Montessori

Cockhill After School Club

Convoy Playgroup

CPI Community Childcare (19DL0255)

CPI Community Childcare (13DL0179)

Crossroads & Killygordan Community Playgroup Ltd

Donagh Creche Ltd

Footprints Montessori Pre-School

Iarscoil An Aingil Choimeadaí

Kiddlywinks Childcare

Lamha Beaga Montessori

Letterkenny Youth and Family Service Ltd

Little Acorns Montessori Playschool

Little Acorns Nursery & Montessori Playschool, Acorns Afterschool

Little Acorns Playgroup

Little Smarties

Little Stars Preschool

Magic Moments

Manorcunnigham Community Childcare Centre Ltd

Milford Community Playgroup

Naíonra Ailt a Chorráin

Naíonra an Chlochán Liath

Naíonra An Fálcarrach

Naíonra Bhaile na Finne

Naíonra Ghleann Cholmcille

Naíonra Gort a Choirce

Naíonra na Crannóige

Newtowncunningham Morning and Afterschool Club

Raphoe Community Playgroups Ltd

Ray Montessori

Ready Steady Grow

Rosie and Jim’s

Shelly’s Academy Ltd.

Sli An Eolais

Smart Steps Carrigans

Smart Steps Raphoe

Smart Steps St. Eunans

Spraoi agus Sport

Spraoi agus Sport Family Centre Ltd

Spraoi Le Cheile/ Ionad Curam Paisti

St. Gabriels Pre-school

Stepping Stones Playgroup

T/A Kiddies Corner Community Playgroup

The Doorway Project 2

The Learning Tree

Tír na nÓg Naíonra

Dublin City

Service Name

Afterschools

Aisling Project

Aisling Project Poppintree

Aisling Project Sillogue

An Cosan Early Years – Colaiste Eanna

Apple of My Eye

Axis Creche

Babes in the Woods Creche

Ballyfermot Centre for Children, Young People and Families

Ballymun East Community Centre Ltd

Barnardos Finglas Early Intervention Service

Baron’s Playschool

Best Start Preschool Afterschool Donnycarney

Blooming Lillies After Bloom

Blooming Lillies Early Education Centre

Bonnybrook Early Education Centre

Bunratty Community Childcare Centre Ltd

Busy Bees

Buttons Community Playschool

Carrs Child & Family Services CLG

Cherryorchard Community Childcare Service Ltd

Children’s Project

Community After School Project

Community After Schools Project Mountjoy Square

Connolly Children’s Centre Ltd

Creative Kids and Co

D7 Afterschool Care

Darndale Belcamp New Life Centre Ltd

Darndale/Belcamp Integrated Childcare Service

Dolphin Creche

Dolphin Homework Club

Dolphins Early Education and Childcare Centre

Doras Bui

Eala Og Childcare Centre

Early Days/School St After Schools

Fatima Childrens Day Care Centre

Fatima Homework Club

FCC – Oak Tree Creche

FCC Willow Tree Creche

Fionn Ghlas Early Years Hub

Footprints Early Years Ltd (18DY0754)

Footprints Early Years Ltd (19DY0790)

Fountain Resource Group Bizzy Bees Afterschool

Fountain Resource Group Junior Youth

Fountain Resource Group Marrowbone Lane Youth Project

Fountain Resource Group Wee Tots

Garden of Eden

Glenhill Community Playgroup

Goldenbridge ECDS

Griffith Community Playgroup

Happyway Creche and Pre School

Hope Childcare

Hyde & Seek Childcare Ltd

Hyde and Seek Childcare Ltd (Tolka Road)

Hyde and Seek Glasnevin

Inchicore Community Creche & Afterschool

Kids Inc Liberty Park

Kidz First

Kilbarrack Childrens Community Project

Kilbarrack Community Childcare Services Ltd t/a Lir childcare Centre

Kilmore West Community Playgroup

Larkin Childcare Facility

Larkin Early Education Service

Learn and Play Preschool and Afterschool Company Limited By Guarantee (13DY0568, Kilmore)

Learn and Play Preschool and Afterschool Company Limited By Guarantee (16DY0672, Priorswood)

Little Bells

Little Footprints Montessori

Little Learners Creche

Little People’s Academy

Little Rainbows (Main Street Belmayne)

Little Stars

Little Treasures Community Creche

Little Treasures Preschool Playgroup (12DY0506, Bluebell Community Centre)

Little Treasures Preschool Playgroup (17DY0704, 50 La Touche Road)

LittleStars Childcare

Lorcan Montessori

Loreto Preschool Crumlin

Lullabys Afterschool

Lycs First Step Creche

Marist Creche

Mead Day Care Centre

Mellow Spring Childcare Centre

Mercy Family Centre Ltd

Naionra an T-Seachtar Laoch

Naíonra Glór na nGael

Naíonra Uí Earcáin

One Step Ahead Preschool

Our Lady’s Nursery

Ozanam House Childcare Centre

PH Montessori t/a Little Steps Preschool

Pitter Patter Community Creche and Playgroup

Pop Up Preschool

Poppintree Early Education Centre Ltd

Precious Children Daycare

Precious Children Daycare ltd

Realt Beag Ballyfermot STAR

Robert Emmet CDP Afterschool

Saint Ultans Childcare Project

Saol Beag

Scallywags Creche

Sherpa Kids O’Connell Primary School (OCBD)

Sherpa Kids Scoil Chaitríona

Sherpa Kids St Audoens NS

Sherpa Kids St Vincent’s Boy NS

Sherpa Kids St. Davids BNS

Small Steps (23DY0867, Marist Primary School)

Small Steps (24DY0894, Mount Argus)

Solas Afterschool Project – Basin Street

Solas Afterschool Project – St Catherine’s

Sophia Nurturing Centre Cork Street

St Audoen’s Pre-school

St Benedict’s Creche

St Brigids Day Nursery

St Finbars Playschool

St Helenas Childcare Centre Ltd

St Louise’s ECDS

St Mary’s Early Years Service

St Matthews Community Playgroup

St Michaels Preschool & Afterschool Service

St Raphael’s Preschool & Afterschool Project

St Vincent’s ECDS

St. Andrew’s Childcare Centre

St. Joseph’s ECDS

St. Oliver’s Park After Schools

Stepping Stones

Teanga Beo Baile Formaid Cuideachta Faoi Theorainn Rathaiochta

The Family Resource Centre Creche and Afterschool

The Kids Den Preschool Limited

The Liberties Community Project Afterschool (10DY0439)

The Liberties Community Project Afterschool (14DY0602)

The Liberties Community Project Afterschool (14DY0604)

The Liberties Community Project Afterschool (14DY0605)

The Rec Afterschool Club

Tigers Childcare- Glasnevin

Tiny Toes Creche

Tír na nÓg Early Childhood Development Service

Tír na nÓg Early Childhood Care & Education Centre

Tracey’s Tots Preschool

Treasure Tots Nursery

Wonder Kidz

Woodlands Creche

YMCA Childcare

Dublin South

Service Name

An Cosán Early Years – Jobstown

An Cosán Early Years – St. Anne’s

An Turas

Ballyboden Family Centre – Scoil Mhuire Pre-School

Ballyboden’s Children’s Centre

BARNARDOS MILLBROOK FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES

Blossoms Childcare

Busy Beehive

Choice Childcare

Coach Approach After School

Coach Approach After School Scoil Iosa

Deansrath Family Centre

Deansrath Family Centre Play and Development

Early Steps Pre-school

First Steps Early Education Centre

Glenview Montessori Pre-School

Honeybears Creche

Jadd Childcare Service

Kilnamanagh Kids Creche & Montessori School

Leap Frog @ The Park

Loreto Playgroup Ltd

Mary Prior

Mrs Giggles

Mrs Giggles at Lilyput Lane

Naíonra Chaitlín Maude

Naíonra Santain Teoranta

New Shapes After-school

Oakview Village Clondalkin

Respond Early Years Service, Ard Mor

Ronanstown Community Childcare Centre

Ronanstown W CDP Creche

Rowlagh Parish Playgroup

Rowlagh Women’s Group

Sherpa Kids Scoil Aoife Comm Sch (SACS)

St Dominics (Lilys Childcare)

St Louise’s Playschool

St Marks Preschool

St. Kevins Childcare Centre

StartBright Balgaddy

StartBright Bawnogue

StartBright Brookview

StartBright Deansrath

StartBright Greenhills

StartBright St Ronan’s

Super Stars ELC

Tallaght Childcare Centre

Tigers Childcare- Belgard Square

Toddling Tots

Young Explorers’ Preschoool

Youth Horizons Ltd

Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown

Service Name

Barnardos – Loughlinstown

Barnardos – Tivoli

Basement Project Company Ltd. t/a Mounttown Early Years Service

Blackrock Community Playgroup

Hillview Community Resource Centre

Lakelands Preschool

Shanganagh Park House

Fingal

Service Name

Ashleigh House Pre-School & Creche

Barnardos Early Years Service

Blakestown & Mountview NYP

Busy Bees Pre-school

Corduff Childcare Servicec Ltd

Homestart Creche

Hope Childcare

Kids Zone

Little Cherubs Montessori

Little Learners Creche

Little Wonders Preschool

Market Green Montessori

Mini Manners Preschool

Phoenix Childcare Huntstown

Ready Steady Learn

Sophia Nurturing Centre Donabate

The Jolly Tots

The Kids Den 2

The Little Learners Corner

Galway

Service Name

Athenry Community Childcare

Athenry Community Childcare

Ballinasloe Community Childcare Group

Ballinasloe Social Services Preschool

Ballyconneely Community Playgroup & Afterschool Service

Bright Sparks Claddagh Afterschool

Bright Sparks Montessori

Cleggan/Claddaghduff Playgroup

Happyfeet Pre-school & After-school

Headstart Montessori School

Ionad Cúram Leanaí na Cheathrún Rua

Kidzone

Kiltormer Breakfast and Afterschool Club

Little All Stars Montessori & Creche

Naíolann na nOileán

Naíonra an Chnoic Tir an Fhia

Naíonra Ard Mhór

Naíonra Chárna

Naionra Leitir Meallain

Naíonra Leitir Móir

Naíonra Ros Muc

Presentation Preschool

Rainbow Community Childcare

Sign Out Afterschools

Sunflowers Creche & Preschool

The Trinity Den

Tuam Community Childcare Centre

Wiz Kidz Preschool

Kerry

Service Name

Aiseanna na hOige

Ballyspillane Childcare Service

Brookview Childcare

Buddies Creche & Childcare Facility

CBS Afterschool

Cre-8-Tive Corner Childcare

Cumann Iosaef Community Preschool and Afterschool

Curam Leanaí Na Dromoda

Curious Minds Ballylongford

Curious Minds Lyreacrumpane FDC

DSCSO LTD, trading as Kilflynn Preschool & Afterschool

Holy Family Afterschool Tralee

Killorglin Family Resource Centre TA Laune Childcare Services

Listowel Family Resource Centre

Little House Montessori

Little Leaders

Maureen’s Childcare Centre

Mounthawk Montessori School & Busy Bees Nursery

Muire Gan Smal

Naionra Na Dromoda

Pebbles Preschool

Presentation After-school Tralee

St Brigid’s Community Centre

Tigh na Leanai

Tus Nua Montessori

Valentia Island Resource & Childcare Centre

Wise Owl Shanakill

Kildare

Service Name

Churchtown stepping stones

Happy Days Community Childcare.

Memory Lane Preschool LTD

Newbridge Family Resource Centre

Shining Stars Academy

Shining Stars Academy Glebelands

Shining Stars Homework Club

Sugradh Kilberry

Tiny Tots Childcare

Wigwams Childcare

Kilkenny

Service Name

Ballyraggett Community Playgroup

Croía Early Childcare Education & Afterschool Care

Deenside Early Years

Droichead Childcare

Droichead Childcare Afterschool

Kilkenny Community Early Years Project

Larc Community Pre-school

Little Steps Country Creche

Little Tots Creche And Afterschools Programme

Natures Way Goresbridge

Respond School Age Service, Millennium

The Growing Patch Childcare Centre

The Learning Tree

Thomastown Creche & Montessori School

Urlingford Community Childcare Service

Urlingford preschool for little learners Ltd

Laois

Service Name

Birchgrove Childcare (Laois Partnership Company)

Graiguecullen Parish Childcare Centre CLG

Kiddiecare Early Years Childcare

Laois International School

Lisduff Adventure Farm

Lisgorm services ltd t/a Leanbh mo Chroi

Majella’s Montessori School

Maples 2

Mountmellick Youth & Family Resource Centre

O’Moore Place Childcare

Ria’s Kids Academy

Suaimhneas Community Childcare

The Hive @ Maples

The Orchard Childminding Service

Tir Na Nog

Tots and Co. Playschool

Leitrim

Service Name

Childhood Days for Children with Learning Disability Limited

Kinlough Childcare Ltd

Mohill Afterschool

Shannonside Community Childcare Centre

Spencer Harbour community Afterschool

Limerick

Service Name

Abbey Kids

Ardagh Montessori School

Bizzi Kids Limited

Castle Kids

Castletroy View, Montessori

Clever Cats Pre School

Clever Clogs

Courtenay NS Afterscool

Curious Minds Abbeyfeale

Curious Minds Presentation Limerick

Cute & Clever Play School

Elm Tree Afterschool Gaelscoil

Family Tree Creche

Happy Faces

Happy Faces After-School

Happy Times Pre School

Kilmeedy After-School

Le Cheile School Aged Childcare

Leaping Frogs Afterschool

Learning for Life Limited

Limerick Social Service Council Ltd

Little Buddies Preschool Abbeyfeale

Little Explorers

Lyons Den Salesian Primary School

Lyons Den St Johns Girls and Infant Boys Primary School

Manister Breakfast / Aftershcool Club

Moon & Stars

Moyross Integrated Childcare Services

Northside FRC

Nursery Times

Our Lady of Lourdes Childworld Creche

Our Lady Queen of Peace Pre School

PARK HOMEWORK CLUB

PARK HOMEWORK CLUB LTD

Patrickswell Community Play-School Ltd.

Presentation Pre School

Respond Early Years Service, Distillery View

Riverside Early Childhood Centre

Scoil Iósaf Pre School and Afterschool

Small World Pre School

Southill Afterschools Club

Southill Childrens Nursery

St Johns Pre School

St Mary’s Boys’ School Abbeyfeale

St Marys Pre School & Homework Club

St. Anne’s Childcare Service

St. Anne’s Montessori

Stepping stones Preschool

Tait House Afterschool

The Beehive Play Learn Grow Ltd

The Child and Family Centre

Longford

Service Name

Bluebells Montessori

Catkins Early Years Service

Granard Community Childcare Facility

Granard Community Childcare SAC LNG

Kids Paradise & Montessori – ABC Stonepark

Kidz Demesne Afterschool

Naoí Rath Ré

Springlawn Community Childcare

St. Mary’s Childcare Campus Company Limited By Guarantee

Tír na nÓg Preschool

Louth

Service Name

Aunty Paula’s Pre-school, Creche

Castletown Girls Preschool

CBS Preschool

Claddagh Treasures

Clever Clogs

Cox’s Demense Youth & Community Project Ltd

Cuddles Creche P AND S LTD

De La Salle preschool

Drogheda Women’s & Children’s Refuge Centre Company Limited By Guarantee

Dun Dealgan Childcare

Dundalk Creche

Holy Family Parish Community Creche / Claddagh’s Treasures

Jellytots daycare LTD

Just Kids Pre-School + Afterschool

Lios na nÓg Playgroup

Little and Big Rascals

Little Partners Creche Ltd

Little steps

MiniMinds Preschool

Moneymore Afterschool Project

Moneymore Childcare Centre

Muirhevanamore Community Youth Project Ltd

Naíonra Dhún Dealgan

Playmates Montessori

Realt na Mara Preschool & Afterschool

Redeemer Creche and Playgroup Ltd

Respond Early Years Service, Tredagh Court

Respond School Age Service, Riverwell Close

Smart Start

Stepping Stones

The Grove Early Years Education Centre

Mayo

Service Name

Ardnaree Community Playgroup Ltd

Ballyhaunis Community Preschool

Bangor Erris Children Centre

Barneys Playgroup

Belmont Montessori

Comharchumann, Naionra, Beal An Atha Teo

Footsteps

Haven Community Childcare Centre

Joanna’s Preschool

Junior Junction Preschool

Keel Childcare Ltd(Suantrai)

Kiddies Korner

Little VIPs

Making Memories Preschool

Naiona Gleann na Muaidhe

Naionra Acaill

Naionra Baile Chruaich Teoranta

Naíonra Beal an Muirthead

Naionra Dhun Chaochain

Naíonra Montessori

Naionra Na hEachleime Eachleim

Tír na nÓg

Meath

Service Name

Johnstown Childcare Centre

Leanaí Lomhara Montessori Limited

Liag na Nog

Lilliputs, Laytown Resource House

Little Angels Pre School,Navan Travellers Workshops Ltd

Little Tots Montessori

Mabuhay ECDS

Navan Educate Together Childcare Services

Navan Educational Enhancement Project

Oakleaves Pre-school

Scallywags Childcare Blackcastle

Scoil Naomh Eoin School Age Care (NSCP)

The Village Preschool and Afterschool, Nobber

Monaghan

Service Name

Aspire afterschool

Castleblayney Community Childcare (Iontas Childcare)

Laurel Hill Community Childcare

Little Wonders

Teach na bPaisti

Tinys Day Nursery

Tree tops MN childcare ltd

Offaly

Service Name

Castleview Pre-school

Cherrytots Playschool

Daingean Community Childcare Services Ltd.

Kilcormac Community Childcare

LAUGH & LEARN CHILDCARE

Little Blooms

LNAN Limited

Mad Hatters Afterschool

Memory Lane Preschool LTD

Playdays Nature School

Pullough Community Pre-school

Rainbowland Childcare

Rainbows and Butterflies Early Learning Centre

Re Scoil Iosagain

River’s Edge Afterschool Care

Skippy’s Creche & Playschool

Sunflowers Shinrone

Tullamore Community Pre-school

Roscommon

Service Name

Castlerea Community Playschool

Frenchpark & Districts Childcare Ltd

Jack & Jill SAC

Kid’s Rule Afterschool Services Roscommon Town

Roscommon Community Playgroup

St. Annes National School

The Growing Tree

The Growing Tree 2

The Growing Tree 3 SAC

Tir na nÓg Preschool

Toddle In

Sligo

Service Name

Bright Minds

Claire Barden School Age Childcare

Cranmore Abbeyquarter

Footprints

Lilliput

New Ballytivnan Afterschool Service

Northside Community Playgroup

Sandcastles Quigabar

Sligo Family Support Ltd

Sligo Springboard CLG

Sligo Traveller Support Group Collooney service

Sligo Traveller Support Group Ltd. – Carraroe School Age Service

Springboard Resource House Project

Tubbercurry FRC

Tipperary

Service Name

Bright Beginnings

Busy Bees

Busy Bees James Street

Busy Bees Presentation

Buttons & Bows Childminding

Canon Hayes Recreation Centre

Carrick Breakfast Club + Afterschool Club

Cashel Pre-school Playgroup

Clever Clogs Community Childcare

Clever Clogs Montessori

Clonmel Kidz Afternoon and Morning Club LTD

Clonmel Kidz Afterschool and morning Club Ltd

Daisychain

Daisy’s Montessori Playschool

Elm Tree Preschool

Fethard Breakfast Club an Afterschool

Fethard Community Playgroup

First Steps

Ladybirds Afterschool Club gaa complex

Ladybirds Pre-School and Childcare Centre

Laethanta Sona Montessori Pre-School

Lamha Beaga

Little Angels Preschool

Little Einsteins

Little Explorers Playschool

Little Learners

Little Rascals Clonoulty

Little Rascals Playgroup

Little Scholars Carrick Playschool Limited

Lunas

Marthas Montessori School

Marthas Montessori School

Montessori, Naionra

Naíonra Dhurlas Éile

Naionra, Lus na Greine

Nanos Nest Playschool

Rainbow Pre-School and Childcare Centre St Marys

Rainbow Pre-School and Childcare Service Dromin

Ready Steady Go Childcare

Respond Early Years Service, Hilltop

Ríocht na nÓg ag Cúl an Tí

Scolairi Oga Teoranta Borrisokane

Scolairi Oga Teoranta Puckane

Spafield Family Resource Centre

Sparkling Starts

St Mary’s Preschool

St. Mary’s Montessori School A.M.I

Sugradh Creche

Templemore Community Services Centre Ltd

Templemore Montessori Centre

The Den Montessori Fort Aengus

Three Drives Afterschool Club

Thurles Targeted Early Intervention Service

Tiny Tots Pre-school

Tooqinn Kids Club

Treasure Island Childcare

Willisson Preschool

Wonder Years

Waterford

Service Name

An Duine Beag Teoranta

Báile Beag First Steps Creche Ltd

BRIGHT STARS CLONEA

Co. Waterford Community Childcare Facility

Kids at Play

Kilmacthomas Montessori School

Learn Thru’ Play ltd.

Little Buddies Creche

Presentation Play School

Respond Early Years Service, Lisduggan

Respond Early Years Service, Tramore

St Brigids Childrens Centre

The Children’s House Montessori School

Tiptoes Community Childcare Centre

Waterford Child Care Company Limited By Guarantee

Westmeath

Service Name

Battery Heights After School Service

Brawny Community Centre

Dalton Community House

Grovelands Childcare

Marian Corbett & Valja McCabe Pre School

Na Fea Montessori Preschool

Naionra Lios na Nog

Sarsfield Pre-School

Shannon Pre-School

St. Kierans Childcare Centre

St. Mary’s After School (Harmony CDP)

St. Pauls After School Service

St. Peter’s Primary School

Sundancers Montessori

Sunny Days Playschool

Westmeath Community Development Ltd. (WCDL) Mullingar Afterschool – Rathgowan After School

Women’s Community Projects (Mullingar) Association CLG

Wexford

Service Name

A Place to Grow, Adamstown

Bellefield Early Years Centre

Clonroche Playschool

Club Maidine / Trathnóna

Coisceim Montessori School

Cot 2 Crayons

Daisy Daycare Creche & Montessori Ltd

Discoveryland Creche & Montessori

Domhan Beag

Explore and Discover Childcare

FAB Huggie Bears

First Steps Ferns Childcare

Junglebox Childcare Centre

Little Daisies Community Childcare

Little Duckling’s Pre-School

Little Treasures Creche

Michael Street Community Preschool

Respond Early Years Service, Daphne View

Respond School Age Service, New Ross

Scoil Spraoi na Leanai

Stepping Stones Early Years Centre

STEPPING STONES EARLY YEARS CENTRE

TCCC Afterschool Service

Teach Spraoi Community Childcare Centre

Templeshannon Community & Childcare Centre

Wonderland Childcare Centre

Wicklow

Service Name

Ballons Preschool

Ballyflanigan Montessori

Bellevue Preschool and Afterschool

Bray Family Resource & Development Centre Ltd.

Early Days Academy

Forever Friends Pre-school

Happy Faces community playgroup

Hazelbrook

Kids Aloud

Kidz Ink Childcare

Little Acorns

Little Bray Afterschools Service

Little bunnies Montessori

Little Oaks Bray

Little Rascals Playschool

LMNO Childcare

Marian Centre

Marian Centre (Ballywaltrim)

Marian Centre (St. Peters School)

Naionra Lacain

R.O.S Early Years Arklow

Ravenswell After School Service

St. Fergals Resource Centre

Treasures Montessori

Minister appoints Ms. Koulla Yiasouma as the Chair of the Young Ireland Advisory Council

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, has announced the appointment of Ms. Koulla Yiasouma to chair the Young Ireland Advisory Council. The Advisory Council is a key part of the governance of Young Ireland, the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People.

Koulla Yiasouma is an established leader in the area of children’s rights and youth justice. She served as the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People from 2015 to 2023, working to safeguard the rights and best interests of children.

Ms. Yiasouma is the former Director of Include Youth, a rights-based organisation working with young people involved in the criminal justice and care systems in Northern Ireland. She is the Chair of the Board of Management of the Oberstown Children’s Detention Campus.

Ms. Yiasouma will replace Ian Power as Chair, who stepped down to take up a new role earlier this year.

Announcing the appointment, Minister Foley said:

“I am delighted to appoint Koulla Yiasouma to this important role. The actions set out for Government in Young Ireland pave the way towards improving the lives of children and young people; I know that Koulla’s guidance and experience will help to ensure an emphasis on children’s rights in the implementation of policies that affect them. I would also like to thank Mr. Ian Power for his work with the Advisory Council.”

Information about children’s rights, Young Ireland, and the Young Ireland Advisory Council can be found here: www.gov.ie/YoungIreland.

Notes

Young Ireland: the National Policy Framework for Children and Young People provides a platform to realise the rights of children and young people in Ireland, so that all partners can work effectively together to ensure children and young people can thrive. Young Ireland’s governance structures provide a forum for stakeholder engagement, drive implementation of existing policy commitments, and ensure accountability in the development of further policies impacting children and young people.

The Young Ireland Advisory Council enables the community and voluntary sector, as well as academics and other experts, to advise on and support the implementation of Young Ireland. The members of the Advisory Council have varied expertise in the key issues facing children and young people today, with an initial focus on the Spotlight areas of disability.

Number of early learning and childcare services located on school premises at all-time high

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From: Department of Children, Disability and Equality

  • Published on: 11 August 2025
  • Last updated on: 11 August 2025

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley has welcomed the growth in the proportion of early learning and childcare services located on school premises which has reached an all-time high.

In the 2021/22 programme year, 15.9% of early learning and childcare services were located on school premises, this increased to 16.8% in the 2022/23 programme year and 19.2% in the 2023/24 programme year.

The proportion of early learning and childcare services located on school premises has further increased to 22.5% in the current 2024/25 programme year.

This equates to 1,084 services of the 4,816 early learning and childcare services in contract with the Department for the 2024/25 programme year.

It means that nearly one in four of early learning and childcare services are now located on school premises.

This is reflective of an overall expansion of the early learning and childcare sector, with enrolments of children in services increasing by 19% from an estimated 197,285 in 2022 to 234,597 last year.

Minister Foley today welcomed the data which shows that supply of early learning and childcare is increasing, both in schools and in the wider community.

“I particularly welcome the growth in the number of services operating in school buildings. This supports availability of places in a convenient location for parents.

I would like to thank all the schools who have responded so positively to the updated Procedures on the use of School Buildings and School Sports Facilities outside of School Hours which guarantee that any income from after-school use of their facilities will not affect their State grants, capitation fees or any other form of departmental funding.”

The Programme for Government sets out the ambition to work with schools to host before and after-school childcare in school buildings. There is also a commitment to develop State-led early learning and childcare facilities in tandem with the school building programme.

I look forward to working with colleagues across Government to advance these commitments, which will improve choice and convenience for parents, and maximise the potential of school sites.”

There has been a notable rise in the use of school buildings for school-age childcare-only services. Most of this is understood to be for breakfast clubs and after-school clubs.

Last year, in her role as Minister for Education, Minister Foley published Procedures on the use of School Buildings and School Sports Facilities outside of School Hours to encourage more schools to open up their facilities for early learning and childcare and other community purposes when not required by the school.

There are now 565 school-age childcare-only services located on school premises which represents almost two thirds (65%) of the 869 school-age childcare only services in operation.

Around 261 new school-age childcare services were registered with Tusla in 2024, leading to a net increase of 225 new school-age childcare services in one year alone. At the end of last year, there were a total of 2,724 school age services on the Tusla register of early years services which are located both on school premises and in the wider community.

The rise in the availability of school-aged childcare services, particularly after-school clubs, has led to a 56 per cent increase in children enrolled in these services over the past two years. The number of children enrolled is up from an estimated 50,847 children in 2022 to 79,183 last year.

The potential for development of State-led facilities in tandem with the school building programme will be considered as part of the wider capital plans to develop State-led services. The Programme for Government commits for the first time to provide capital investment to build or purchase state-owned early learning and childcare facilities, to create additional capacity in areas where unmet need exists.

State ownership of facilities is a very substantial and significant development and offers the potential for much greater scope to influence the nature and volume of provision available and to ensure better alignment with estimated demand.

The overall approach to ensure there are appropriate levels of high-quality early learning and childcare places for families will be advanced in the Action Plan to build an affordable, high-quality, accessible early childhood education and care system that Government is committed to publishing.

Notes

Data on the number of children enrolled in early learning and childcare services is compiled each year by Pobal as part of the Early Years Sector Profile.

The Annual Early Years Sector Profile survey is the primary data source on the early learning and childcare sector.

It is developed and administered by Pobal on behalf of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE). All services who are contracted to deliver at least one DCDE funded programme/scheme (that is, ECCE, NCS, CCSP) are invited to take part in the survey.

The survey response rate in recent years ranged from 82 to 85 per cent of providers, so it can be used to accurately estimate what percentage of services are located on school premises. It is more difficult to get definitive figures on the total number of individual services, given that a small percentage of services that did not complete the survey. However, new administrative data for the current 2024/2025 programme year shows that the 22.5 per cent of early learning and childcare services equates to 1,084 services out of 4,816 services in contract with the Department for the 2024/25 programme year.

The survey, which has been running for 21 years, plays a central role in informing policy development, assessing the impact of policy change and provides a comprehensive national analysis of early learning and childcare services throughout Ireland.

Further information can be found on the Early Learning and Childcare data website. The Capacity section of the website provides information on enrolments and vacancies on services that responded to the survey as well as estimated figures for the overall sector.

Minister Norma Foley Announces €1.5 Million in Annual Funding for Community-Based Counselling Services Supporting Children and Families

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The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD, today announced €1.5 million in annual funding for community-based counselling services. In 2025, this funding will benefit 73 community and voluntary organisations delivering essential counselling and therapeutic supports to children and families.

This funding provides community-based counselling, psychotherapy, and a range of therapeutic interventions such as play therapy, creative arts therapy, bereavement support, and systemic family therapy.

This funding has been sourced in recent years from the Dormant Accounts Fund, but in a significant development, this funding has now been regularised and will be delivered from the annual budget of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.

Minister Foley stated:

“This funding will help children and young people to get timely and effective access to counselling services in their own communities. These services are deeply responsive to local needs. They play a vital role in delivering therapy for children and young people and their families when they are most needed.”

The €1.5 million yearly investment will enable these services to:

  • Increase counselling and therapeutic capacity;
  • Reduce waiting lists for children and young people;
  • Provide supports to those who may otherwise be unable to access services due to cost or location;
  • Embed a more sustainable response to the growing demand for child and adolescent therapeutic support.

The decision to regularise funding for these services was informed by a detailed survey, completed by organisations who had previously received funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund, on the outcomes and impact of their funded services. Tusla also engaged closely with its area offices to assess need and guide the allocation of funding on a targeted, evidence-informed basis.

Minister Foley said:

“This funding reflects the government’s recognition of the critical work being done every day by local community-based services. I am proud to support their work and delighted that this investment will now be part of the mainstream provision through Tusla.”

Tusla’s continued collaboration with the funded organisations will ensure accountability, quality, and ongoing responsiveness to emerging needs in communities across Ireland.

Minister Foley welcomes the additional investment for disability services and early childhood education in the new National Development Plan

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The allocation for the Department of Children, Disability and Equality in the National Development Plan (NDP) has increased to almost €800 million.

Under the previous NDP, some €255 million was allocated to the Department over the period 2021 to 2025 but this has now risen to €795 million in the new NDP from 2026 to 2030.

The increased funding will be used to provide additional early learning and childcare places, more disability services for those with complex needs, capital investment for Tusla, the Child and Family Agency and investment in playgrounds.

Another major initiative to be progressed under the NDP is the National Centre for Research and Remembrance.

Welcoming the announcement, Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, commented:

“I welcome the additional investment for disability services and early childhood education in the new National Development Plan. It also provides funding for a range of other important initiatives including the National Centre for Research and Remembrance and continuing development of the Oberstown Detention Centre.

It also contains increases in capital spending projects for disabled people with complex needs from around €77 million over the last five years to a capital allocation of €278 million between 2026 and 2030 – an increase of over 250 per cent.

There are also substantial increases in the NDP more broadly for new housing development and new transport projects for example – which will assist disabled people as well.

This is a sign of this government’s commitment to deliver a step change in services for disabled people and to deliver real value for money for taxpayers with this substantial investment.”

This government has been clear that a cross-departmental approach is being taken to deliver the step change required in disability services. In this respect, itis important to note the NDP contains significant increases in funding for other government departments which also play a key role in improving the lives of disabled people. This includes record allocations for the Department of Housing, which provides housing for people with Disabilities, the Department of Transport which provides transport for people with disabilities and the Department of Education which funds the special education budget in schools.

Minister of State for Disability, Hildegarde Naughton added:

“Government is committed to significantly investing in services for children, young people and adults with disabilities, and key to this is ensuring that our day services, respite and residential facilities are of high quality and are suitable for all those who need them.

The physical environment is so important, and there has been historic under-investment in this area. The funding provided under the new National Development Plan will allow us to develop and deliver a pipeline of projects across the country, which will make an enormous difference to those with disabilities and their families.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION BELOW RELATING TO GARDA VETTING FOR ALL ELC/SAC SERVICES

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Garda Vetting is a legal requirement for all people working with children and vulnerable adults, under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016 including staff of Early Learning and Care and School Age Services. 

Garda vetting for each staff member must be renewed every three years. It is a breach of regulation for staff to continue working with children where their vetting has expired.

There is a new Garda Vetting process in place for ELC/SAC services since 1st February 2025. The following now applies:

  • TUSLA manage Garda Vetting services for registered providers, including childminders, as well as Chairpersons of Boards of Management (where they are the registered provider) and board members who have access to children.
  • Early Childhood Ireland (ECI) manage Garda Vetting services for all employees in ELC and SAC services.
  • Barnardos no longer provide vetting services.

TUSLA Vetting

In order to apply for vetting through TUSLA you must create a new account on the Tusla Garda Vetting Portal. This is a separate portal account to that used for your TUSLA Renewal of Registration and can be accessed here: Tusla Portal

You can apply for Garda Vetting through TUSLA the following persons only:

  • Registered Providers,

·                  Heads of Boards of management for childcare services where the person is the Registered Provider,

·                  Board members who have access to children in the service

ECI Vetting

If you have used Barnardos to access vetting in the past, will need to apply for a GNVB number in order to access vetting for employees through ECI.  This needs to be done before making an application for vetting through ECI and can take up to 6 to 10 weeks. This needs to be taken into account when reviewing staff vetting expiry dates.

In addition, if an applicant has lived outside of the Republic of Ireland/Northern Ireland in an EU country or the UK, their Garda Vetting application will now take longer:

  • Up to 10 additional working days for EU countries
  • Up to 20 additional working days for the UK

This also needs to be taken into account when reviewing staff vetting expiry dates.

The TUSLA Registration Renewal Process requires submission of in-date Garda Vetting for the Registered Provider and the Person in Charge (if different). Services should review their Garda Vetting date as soon as possible to ascertain if up-dated vetting is required prior to Registration Renewal. Current timelines for vetting should be considered and updated vetting should be sourced as soon as possible.

REMEMBER – You must make a registration renewal application AT LEAST 2 MONTHS before the expiry of your current registration date. If your registration renewal date is 01/01/2026, you are required to submit your registration renewal application by the 31st of October 2025 and will require up to date Garda Vetting to do so. 

Services can complete Registration Renewal any time up to 6 months prior to expiry date. Once Garda Vetting is up to date at the time of submission of Registration Renewal application it will be accepted. We encourage you to make the application to renew registration as soon as possible.

For further information:

https://www.tusla.ie/early-years-inspectorate/garda-vetting-applications/

Garda Vetting Applications From 1st February 2025 commenced providing the Garda Vetting Application Service for anyone who is a Registered Provider of an early years service (under part VIIA of the Child Care Act 1991, as amended) or anyone who is planning to submit an application to become a Registered Provider Who is included? Registered Providers of pre-school services Registered Providers …

www.tusla.ie

https://www.earlychildhoodireland.ie/garda-vetting/

Garda Vetting is a legal requirement for all people working with children and vulnerable adults, under the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012-2016. The Garda Vetting process must be completed before an employee commences work in an Early Learning and Care or School Age Care setting. Before applying for Garda Vetting Have Service Provider membership or Garda …

www.earlychildhoodireland.ie

 

Keeping children safe and comfortable indoors and outdoors in all weathers

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Tusla have published an updated guidance document- Keeping children safe and comfortable indoors and outdoors in all weathers

The document is designed to help childcare providers and staff protect children during all types of weather by offering practical advice on clothing, hydration, safe play, and sleep. It supports compliance with regulations and includes a checklist to help plan for weather-related risks, ensuring children stay safe, comfortable, and well cared for year-round.