Minister Foley announces new €10 million capital scheme for early learning and childcare services

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley has announced the opening of a €10 million capital funding scheme to deliver a significant number of additional early learning and childcare places.

The Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 will provide grants for community and private early learning and childcare services who are Core Funding partner services to increase their capacity by means of extensions to their existing premises.

Community providers can apply for a capital grant of between €100,000 and €530,000 to extend their existing premises. Private providers can apply for a capital grant of between €50,000 and €265,000 to extend their existing premises.

All projects will be required to deliver net increases in full-time places for one to three-year-olds. Projects will also be required to incorporate Universal Design Guidelines.

Announcing the opening of the scheme, Minister Foley said:

“I am very pleased to formally launch this scheme which will deliver a welcome increase in high quality, affordable places, particularly for younger children. The scheme builds on the success of Phase 1 of the Building Blocks Extension Scheme, which is currently operating, and which will deliver up to 1,500 additional places.”

The Building Blocks Extension Scheme is part of the wider Building Blocks Capital Programme for Early Learning and Childcare under the revised National Development Plan 2021-2030 (NDP).

The scheme will run in tandem with and will complement the State-led Early Learning and Childcare Capital Programme, for which €135 million will be made available over the next five years.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality continues to progress a range of other actions to increase the supply of quality and affordable early learning and childcare including significantly increased investment in the Core Funding scheme and the National Childcare Scheme over the past two years.

Note for Editors:

Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme

The scheme is open to Core Funding Partner Services that:

  • will offer additional full-time places for the 1–3-year-old (pre-ECCE) age-cohort;
  • part-time services, sessional services and school age childcare services that are willing to extend their operations to provide full time places for the 1-3-year-old (pre-ECCE) age-cohort;
  • will commit to opening for a minimum of 46 weeks per year, five days per week and 8 hours per day.

There are two strands to the Scheme, as follows:

Community strand:

  • Community providers can apply for a capital grant of between €100,000 (minimum) and €530,000 (maximum) to extend their existing premises.
  • Match funding is not a requirement.
  • Project values between €100,000 and €680,000 will be eligible.
  • Any additional project costs between €530,000 and €680,000 must be funded by the provider.

Private strand:

  • Private providers can apply for a capital grant of between €50,000 (minimum) and €265,000 (maximum) to extend their existing premises.
  • Match funding will be required.
  • Project values between €100,000 and €680,000 will be eligible.
  • Any additional project costs between €530,000 and €680,000 must be funded by the provider.

Eligible projects are limited to physical extensions to existing premises. This may include the physical extension of an existing premises or the installation of a modular building.

All proposed projects must adhere to the Early Years Services Regulations 2016 and must incorporate Universal Design Guidelines for Early Learning and Care Settings (UDG).

The closing date for applications is 31 July 2026. This will ensure that all applicants have sufficient time to engage with their design teams and their solicitors prior to the closing date. The outcome of the appraisal process will be communicated to services in September 2026.

Successful applicants can commence their projects after 1 January 2027 and all projects must be completed by 31 December 2027.

Invitation to Nurturing Skills Midpoint Review Workforce Focus Group

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Educators/Practitioners Wanted – Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare 2022-2028 Focus Group

 

Share your professional experience and help inform priorities, we’d love to hear from you.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality are seeking Educators/practitioners to contribute to a focus group for the Mid‑Term Review of the Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare 2022-2028.

Background

The Nurturing Skills Workforce Plan is a national plan for Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School‑Age Childcare (SAC) staff in Ireland. It runs from 2022–2028 and explains how the Government will support, develop, and professionalise the workforce.

In simple terms, it is a roadmap for making sure Early Years Educators, School‑Age Childcare practitioners, and childminders are:

  • well‑qualified
  • well‑supported
  • valued as professionals
  • able to access clear career pathways

The plan aims to strengthen the workforce through five pillars:

  1. Establishing a career framework
  2. Raising qualification levels
  3. Developing a national Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system
  4. Supporting recruitment, retention and diversity
  5. Moving towards regulation of the profession

DCDE are currently conducting a midpoint review of Nurturing Skills to examine progress to dates and develop a new implementation plan which will set out the actions needed to reach the objectives of the plan from 2026-2028.

Focus Group

As part of the Mid-Term Review of Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare 2022–2028, the Department is seeking to engage directly with the workforce through an online focus group.

  • Date: Tuesday, 28 April
  • Time: 7.00pm – 8.30pm
  • Format: Online (Microsoft Teams)

The focus group provides an important opportunity for those working in the sector to:

  • Share their professional experiences
  • Reflect on progress to date
  • Help inform priorities and actions for the next phase of the plan (2026–2028)

Participation is open to a wide mix of roles and backgrounds, and the session will take place online to support accessibility.

If you would like to apply to participate in the focus group please complete the survey at the link below.

Click here

National Conversation on Education – Children’s Creative Spaces

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National Conversation on Education – Children’s Creative Spaces

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley is inviting children from Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare services across the country to take part in Children’s Creative Spaces celebrating the theme “Where I learn and play” The aim is to give children the opportunity to express creativity, belonging, and their own experiences of their setting (Early Years or School‑Age Childcare/After‑School) adding their voice as part of the National Conversation on Education: the First Five Years and School-Age Childcare.

We have circulated an email with guidance information to you this week.

Timeline

31 March – 30 April:

Educators/settings engage in art activities with the children in their service using guidance provided by DCDE.

7 May:

Submit digital version of artwork to Carlow CCC: info@carlowccc.ie

15 May – 31 May:

Keep an eye out for local galleries on your CCC website and social media accounts.

 

Please note artwork submitted to the Children’s Creative Spaces may be published on gov.ie, on CCC websites, in future government documents, in follow-up reports, and on social media accounts. By submitting artwork, it will be taken that consent has been obtained by services from children and parents for the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the City and County Childcare Committees.

If you want further info please contact us : info@carlowccc.ie

 

Minister Foley encourages people to attend Consultations on Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare around the countr

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley is encouraging people to attend the local Consultation on Early Learning and Care and School‑Age Childcare in their area as part of the National Conversation on Education.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE), in partnership with County Childcare Committees, today announced details of the upcoming local consultation events.

Places are limited. Those interested in taking part can book a place online at gov.ie/LetsTalkEarlyYears.

The consultation process seeks views from parents, early years educators, school‑age childcare practitioners, childminders, providers and anyone interested in the issues.

It is the latest step in the National Conversation on Early Years which is already generating significant debate. New figures show that almost 12,000 responses were received during a national online survey on Early Years, which closed on 12 March.

In total, 51 local consultation events are being held across Ireland between 20–30 April 2026. Each local consultation event will run for approximately 1.5–2 hours. Participants will join small table groups focusing on three core themes (Accessibility, Affordability, Quality).

These local consultations offer the public an opportunity to:

  • Share what is working well and what needs to change.
  • Identify priorities for future investment and improvement.
  • Ensure the voices of parents, early years educators, school-age childcare practitioners, childminders, providers and communities shape national policy.
  • Contribute to an affordable, accessible, high‑quality early learning and care and school-age childcare system.

The consultation events will be delivered in collaboration with the 30 local City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs). Input gathered at local level will inform both Phase 2 of Shaping the Future—the Government’s Early Years Action Plan—and the successor to First 5, Ireland’s Whole‑of‑Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families.

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley said:

“More than 11,000 people have had their say online about the future of early years education. That is really impressive and now is the time for the local consultation stage of the Action Plan on Early Years Education.

“There will be 51 local consultation events hosted by City and County Childcare Committees in venues all across the country between 20 and 30 April 2026, as part of the National Conversation on Education.

“I am keen to hear the views of parents, early years educators, school-age childcare practitioners, childminders, providers and anyone with an interest in early learning and care or school-age childcare.

“I am committed to making early learning and care and school-age childcare affordable, accessible and high-quality.”

Encouraging participation in the consultation process, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:

“Every child should grow up with the care, encouragement and learning opportunities they need to flourish. High‑quality early learning and care, and school-age childcare, are crucial in this respect. It is key that parents have access to these essential services, and that the dedicated professionals who provide those services are supported.

“Progress on Programme for Government commitments around affordability, accessibility and quality must continue to be shaped by evidence and by the voices of those directly involved. That is why a wide‑ranging public consultation process is now under way. We want to hear valuable insights from parents, educators, practitioners and providers across the country. I encourage everyone to make their voices heard.”

The National Conversation on Education: the First 5 years and School-Age Childcare has five key stages:

  1. Stage 1: A national online survey, which closed on the 12 March. Almost 12,000 responses were received.
  2. Stage 2: A nationally representative survey of 500 households with children under 14.
  3. Stage 3: A consultation exercise with children.
  4. Stage 4: Local consultation events, delivered by local City and County Childcare Committees.
  5. Stage 5: A national consultation event that will take place in June (The Shaping the Future National Forum: Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare).

A full list of the times and locations for the local consultation events is available online.

Those interested in taking part can book a place online at gov.ie/LetsTalkEarlyYears.

ENDS

Notes to Editor

Shaping the Future

Shaping the Future: the Early Years Action Plan sets out plans to achieve key Programme for Government commitments on the affordability, quality, and accessibility of early learning and childcare and school-age childcare. The Action Plan adopts a phased approach that enables action to be taken in 2026 while allowing adequate time for a broad public consultation on longer-term actions.

The objectives of Shaping the Future are to:

  • Reduce parental fees to a maximum of €200 per month over the lifetime of the Government, building on the combination of National Childcare Scheme subsidies and fee-control measures in Core Funding.
  • Increase the supply of places, strengthening supply-side funding to support services’ sustainability and staff wages, while introducing State-led facilities to complement other measures to increase capacity.
  • Widen opportunities for children with disabilities, extending the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) to children in age-groups outside the ECCE programme.
  • Contribute to the reduction of child poverty, continuing roll-out of the Equal Start programme, and improving subsidies for lower-income families.
  • Enhance the quality of provision, particularly through measures to support wages, working conditions and professional development of the workforce.

The Phase 1 report published last December documents actions that will be undertaken in 2026. The short-term actions in Phase 1 build on recent reforms to the National Childcare Scheme and Core Funding, and use existing policy mechanisms to strengthen affordability, access and quality. Further information can be found online.

Phase 2 actions will be undertaken from 2027 through to the end of 2029. Before Phase 2 actions can be specified, a broad public consultation is taking place in the first half of 2026, in line with the Programme for Government commitment. Phase 2 actions will then be published in Q4 2026. Additional data-gathering and analysis will also be undertaken to inform their development.

First 5

First 5 is a ten-year, whole-of-government strategy to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families, covering the period 2019-2028. It commits to major initiatives on family leave, children’s health services, parenting supports, child-friendly communities and early learning and care services among a broad range of actions. It aims to help make sure all children have positive early experiences and get a great start in life.

Press Release

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley has today announced the opening of applications for the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund 2026.

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The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund will cover 90 per cent of the course fees for early years educators who undertake a degree course. They can study the course over a four-year period while continuing their regular daily work within the early learning and care sector.

The Fund aims to enhance the quality of early learning and care services, while supporting the professional development of early years educators, developing career pathways, and supporting recruitment and retention of staff in the sector.

Announcing the opening of applications, Minister Foley said:

“I am pleased to announce the opening of the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund 2026, which advances the Programme for Government, commitment to ‘remove barriers in education and training for early years educators to broaden access to the profession’.”

“The Fund provides up to 90% of course fees for early years educators undertaking an approved degree‑level qualification while continuing their valuable work within the sector.”

“There is a wealth of talent, dedication, and professionalism across the early years sector. I am committed to ensuring that opportunities for further study and upskilling are accessible and do not create additional financial pressures for staff. The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund offers an excellent pathway for educators wishing to pursue a degree-level qualification. I strongly encourage all eligible educators and practitioners to avail of this opportunity, and I extend my best wishes to everyone commencing their studies.”

Nurturing Skills Learner Fund is co-funded by the European Union through the EIST programme 2021 to 2027. Since its inception in 2024 the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund has been in a position to offer financial support over 700 applicants. This new application process will provide more than 350 new places. The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund aims to help meet the Government objective of achieving a graduate-led workforce in early learning and care services by 2028.

Current data indicates that the proportion of early years educators with a relevant degree qualification has risen from 12% in 2012 to 39% in 2025. (latest figures please) Nurturing Skills aims to increase this proportion to at least 50% by 2028.

Under this scheme, funding will be provided directly to approved higher education institutions on behalf of the early years educators to reduce the upfront costs of studying for them at level 7 or 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications.

It is designed to complement and add to other government financial supports, such as the Free Fees Initiative and SUSI grants, which early years educators can also qualify for depending on their circumstances.

Funding opportunities for early years educators to upskill was a key commitment in Nurturing Skills, the Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, 2022-2028. Nurturing Skills aims to build on the significant progress already made in raising skill levels across the workforce.

First 5, the whole-of-government strategy for babies, young children and their families, also recognises that the workforce is at the heart of high-quality early learning and care sector.

Further information on the Nurturing Skills Learner fund can be found at Home | Nurturing Skills

Notes to the Editor

Minister Foley announces recruitment of new Disability leadership roles in the HSE

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley has announced that the first-ever dedicated National Director for Disability will be recruited in the HSE, as well as six new Regional Disability Leads in the health regions.

The new disability leadership positions in the HSE reflect the Government’s commitment to improving services for disabled people in all parts of Ireland. These roles will drive the next stage in advancing disability services and will strengthen the HSE’s capacity for service management and planning.

Since responsibility for specialist disability services and responsibility for cross-government coordination of disability policy and strategy have come together into a single Department, the budget for specialist disability services has increased by 50% from €2.6 billion in 2023 to €3.9 billion for 2026.

In that period, services have expanded considerably, including at least half a million extra home support or Personal Assistance hours delivered annually, over 600 new residential places funded and a reduction of over 40% in the waiting list for Children’s Disability Network Teams.

However significant challenges remain. There are still too many people waiting for services, disabled people are not guaranteed the same level of service in all parts of the country and there is still progress to be made towards more person-centred supports and services. That is why the recruitment of these roles, at this time, is so important.

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, said:

“These new leadership roles demonstrate the Government’s commitment to improving disability services. It is expected that these roles will deliver on an ambitious programme of service expansion and reform across the range of disability services, nationally and in the six regions. They will provide a strong voice for disability at national and regional level, with the Regional Disability Leads working very closely with the new National Director and acting as a key point of contact for my Department. It will give to disability the priority that it deserves.”

Welcoming the announcement, Minister of State for Disability, Emer Higgins, said:

“A new dedicated National Director for Disability is necessary to lead the scale of progressive transformation as envisaged in the Programme for Government. The regional level roles will be a critical component in making the new HSE regional structures work best for disabled people, disability services and in integrating disability with health services.”

Together with the new National Director, the six Regional Disability Lead positions will strengthen the HSE’s capacity to ensure additional funding is translated into delivery on the ground. They will have key working relationships with partner organisations and all relevant service providers contracted to provide disability services in the region.

The HSE will now commence competitive recruitment campaigns for these new disability leadership positions.

ENDS

Notes for Editor

National Director for Disability (National Director Level 3)

  • The core functions of the role will be to oversee the expansion and reform of disability services, as well as to promote integration between disability services and wider community health services.
  • The new National Director will lead the team of disability leads in HSE centre across the National Disability Office, disability finance, disability capital, disability workforce and have strong working relationships with the six Regional Disability Leads and other colleagues working in integrated health and social care structures in the regions.
  • The new National Director will attend meetings of the HSE senior leadership team and report to the head of Access and Integration National Director (National Director Level 2).

Regional Disability Lead (Assistant National Director level)

  • The role of Regional Disability Lead is a new position within the Regional Health structures. Each Regional Disability Lead will, within their health region, lead a coordinated, integrated and collaborative approach to delivery of disability services.
  • The Regional Disability Lead’s responsibilities will include leading and driving reform at regional level, coordinating planning and reporting and contract management of funded service providers.
  • The Regional Disability Leads will report to the Regional Executive Officer (REO) and will be a member of the regional executive management team.

Minister Foley welcomes “earn and learn” Special Care training programme at Tusla’s new Children’s Residential Services Training College

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley today welcomed the launch of Tusla’s new Children’s Residential Services Training College, which enables social care staff to earn while they learn the essential skills required to work in Tusla’s Residential and Special Care Centres.

This is a landmark initiative designed to increase the number of workers who can be recruited for Special Care centres. The six-month course will be delivered in Tusla’s new Children’s Residential Training College, based in Tusla headquarters in Dublin.

Trainees participating in the initiative will be employed on a Special Purpose Contract, which means they will be paid while they take part in six months of classroom-based learning, e-learning and supervised work-based practice. There will also be targeted training, peer support, reflective practice, supervision and wellbeing resources.

The first intake will see 10 trainees joining on 2 March 2026, with capacity for 25 trainees going forward and further expansion in line with demand.

The new Training College builds on Tusla’s ongoing efforts to expand and enhance its social care workforce. It complements the Social Care Work-Based Learning Programme, introduced in 2025, which leads to a Bachelor of Arts in Social Care.

The new College is expected to be an attractive option for recent social care worker graduates and overseas candidates, as well as existing Tusla staff who wish to develop the practical skills necessary to provide these important services.

Welcoming the initiative, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, said:

“The development of this new six‑month Special Care training programme at Tusla’s Children’s Residential Training College is an important and welcome initiative. This will help social care workers interested in joining Tusla who need additional experience and training to be eligible to work in Special Care facilities as well as providing opportunities for existing Tusla staff. This is all part of providing the highest standards for children and young people in Special Care.”

Welcoming the launch, Kate Duggan, Chief Executive, Tusla, said:

“The Children’s Residential Training College is a transformational development for Tusla. It provides a structured and supportive pathway for social care workers to build confidence, competence and resilience in some of the most complex and rewarding roles in our services. We are committed to growing and strengthening residential and Special Care service delivery, and this initiative represents a key investment in our workforce through supporting new graduates, overseas candidates and existing staff to develop their careers, while enhancing outcomes for children and young people.”

The College is primarily aimed at qualified social care workers who are not currently employed by Tusla, including recent graduates, those working in other organisations, overseas candidates, and social care professionals who may not yet have the specific experience required for Special Care roles.

The initiative marks key progress in Tusla’s ongoing programme of reform and workforce development. It is part of the continued focus on strengthening residential and Special Care services, ensuring that children and young people with the most complex needs are supported by confident, skilled and well-supported professionals.

ENDS

Notes for Editor

  • Hundreds of applicants have expressed interest in Special Care positions in recent campaigns but may not yet meet the full experience or training requirements necessary. The Training College provides a structured pathway to bridge that gap for this existing pool of talent.
  • There are a number of pathways for applicants to attend the Training College. Tusla is currently running a series of targeted recruitment campaigns, graduate outreach programmes and international hiring. Selection for the course is based on skills match, qualifications and previous experience, aligned to the specific needs of Special Care and residential services.
  • While the initial focus is on strengthening Special Care staffing, the Training College will also support workforce development across mainstream residential services, delivering a sustainable pipeline of skilled social care professionals.
  • Building on other initiatives, Tusla is partnering with University College Cork to design and deliver micro-credentials and other employment-based curricular activities.

Minister Foley and Minister of State Higgins announce €43 Million funding for Disability Capital Projects in 2026.

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  • Funding will further enhance Disability Capital Infrastructure for Children’s Services, Day Services, Respite and Residential Services

Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality, Norma Foley, and Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Emer Higgins, have announced €43 million in ring-fenced capital funding to support Community Based Specialist Disability Services in 2026.

This significant capital investment represents a €16 million increase on the 2025 allocation and will help to expand disability services to meet current and future need.

The National Development Plan (NDP) provides funding of €278 million for Disability Services Capital projects over the five-year period out to 2030. This represents a doubling of capital investment for critical residential homes, respite facilities, day services, multi-disciplinary team units, and other services when compared to spend in the previous five-year period.

This substantial additional investment demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting Disability Services.

The detail of how the €43 million will be invested is set out in the HSE Capital Plan 2026 which has been approved by Minister Foley. The Plan takes account of commitment in the Programme for Government and Ministerial priorities as communicated to the HSE.

Minister Foley stated:

​​“I am delighted to announce €43 million in capital investment for much needed disability services in 2026. This represents a substantial increase of €16 million compared with 2025 and demonstrates the Government’s firm commitment to support and expand disability services. 2026 is the first of a five-year investment plan supported by €278 million in funding which I secured through the National Development Plan.

In the context of the increased investment in Disability Services, I have asked the HSE to examine a number of other disability projects which may be added to the Capital Plan. In doing so, the HSE will take into account the need for regional balance and to ensure an appropriate blend across service areas.”

Minister Higgins, stated:

“It is important that we continue to build on progress made in recent years for Disability Services and to develop a pipeline of capital works to improve disability facilities across the country. I look forward to continuing our engagement with the HSE to progress this work. I also look forward to meeting with service users and service providers to see firsthand the difference the capital funding increases are making to the lives of people with disabilities”

The primary focus will be on enhancing capital infrastructure associated with Community Based Specialist Disability Services as well as contractual commitments, investment priorities and regulatory requirements, including HIQA compliance programmes.

Funding will be directed to the following Community-Based Specialist Disability Services:

  • Residential Services
  • Respite Services
  • Day Services
  • Children’s Services
  • Neurorehabilitation.

There will be funding to address infrastructural risk and climate action, ensuring high quality services are provided in accommodation which is of an appropriate regulatory standard. Funding will also be allocated to a capital project initiation appraisal and development fund to enhance the pipeline of disability capital projects in the coming years.

The HSE has been tasked with producing a multi-annual strategy for Disability Capital, in consultation with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, to ensure this investment is targeted where it is needed most.

The strategy will focus on four key service pillars: residential care, day services for adults with disabilities, assessment and multi-disciplinary teams, and residential respite services.

ENDs

Notes to the Editor

  • Some of the projects being supported to progress in 2026 include the following.

 

Facility

Brief Project Description

Status

St. Michael’s House Raheny

Proposed refurbishment and extension of existing buildings at St. Michael’s House, Raheny, Adult Day Centre (ADC)

Construction

Hamlet Lane, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin

New build location required for Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) to replace fragmented service and comply with Model of Service required.

Design Feasibility

Drumlin House, Cootehill, Co. Cavan

Stand-alone Day Service Facility to support adults with an Intellectual Disability with new build and refurbishment of an existing building.

Design Feasibility

Barrington Court, Prosperous, Co. Kildare

Purchase of Property for Continued Residential Services for disabled people

Design Feasibility

Crosstown, Killinick, Co. Wexford

The purchase & renovation of residential dwelling, for Wexford Residential Intellectual Disability Services (WRIDS).

Detailed Design

Shanakiel, Co. Cork

Purchase of Property for Continued Residential Services  for disabled people

Design Feasibility

Brothers of Charity, Bawnmore, Co. Limerick

Fire Alarm and Emergency Lighting & compartmentation works in conjunction with decongregation programme, subject to lien. Phased. Works completed to 1 house by Brothers of Charity.

Construction

Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim

New build residence for adult (18-28 years) disability respite.

Construction

Carndonagh, Co. Donegal

Build on HSE-owned site to decongregate 4 residents from James Connolly Memorial.

Tender

Ballydoogan, Co. Sligo

Purchase and refurbishment of a house in Ballydoogan, Co. Sligo to replace an existing 2-storey house.

Detailed Design

Ballina, Co. Mayo

Purchase and refurb of property for Disability Respite services

Tender

Funding to date

  • Following the March 2023 transfer of disability services from the Department of Health to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth (DCEDIY), all Disability Capital funding provided by DCDE is ring-fenced exclusively for disability projects, with the goal of expanding and transforming disability services to meet current and future needs.​
  • Yearly capital allocation since the transfer of function in March 2023 is as follows

Year

Budget allocation

2023

€21 million

2024

€23 million

2025

€27 million

2026

€43 million
  • As in previous years, one of the primary areas of 2025 capital expenditures in the disabilities sector was the De-congregation Programme: the movement of people from congregated settings to smaller (1-4 person) residential homes in the community in line with “Time to Move On”, the Government’s policy on de-congregation.
  • Additional funds were utilised for the purchase, construction, and refurbishment of facilities for Children’s Services, Day Services, and Respite Facilities, as well as for fire safety, minor capital works, and infrastructural upgrades to ensure services operate safely and comply with regulations.​

HSE Capital Plan 2026

  • The HSE Capital Plan 2026 reflects the priorities outlined in the National Development Plan and those set out in the Action Plan for Disability Services 2024–2026. DCDE is currently engaging with the HSE to advance the development of a multi-annual Strategic Infrastructural Plan for Disability Services during 2026, which will identify the medium-term infrastructure needs for specialist disability services.​
  • The objectives of the current HSE Capital Plan 2026 concerning disability services include:​
    • Providing €43 million to support specialist community-based disability services.​
    • Increasing the pipeline of disability capital projects including projects that ​ provide accommodation for disability network teams, the development of day Services facilities nationwide, the fitting out of adult and children’s residential and respite houses, and other residential projects.​
    • Continuing the transition of individuals from institutional settings to community-based services in line with the “Time to Move on from Congregated Settings” policy.​
    • Engaging with local authorities and approved housing bodies to access additional Government funding through the Capital Assistance Scheme.​
    • Enabling disability service delivery by providing accommodation for disability network teams, therapy, and day services.​

Programme for Government Commitments

  • The Programme for Government commits to developing a multi-year capital plan for investment in residential and independent living options for people with disabilities.
  • The HSE has been tasked by the Department with developing a multi-annual capital strategy for disabilities in order to inform a more strategic approach to infrastructure delivery. Work on this is ongoing.
  • The PFG also notes that the Government will continue to support and expand the network of respite houses for children and adults with disabilities. Capital funding will enable the refurbishment and development of modern respite centres and day service hubs.

Minister Foley welcomes positive findings of report into the Education Community Development Worker Scheme for Traveller and Roma children

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has welcomed the positive findings of a scheme which employs Traveller and Roma community workers to support children in schools.

The scheme, which began in 2022, is the first of its kind to employ Traveller and Roma workers to improve the primary and post-primary school experience for Traveller and Roma children in ten different areas of the country.

The evaluation of the Education Community Development Worker Scheme found that children felt they can talk to someone who they trust and who is also a Traveller, who “gets it”.

The development workers provided one-to-one support, lunchtime clubs, afterschool clubs, cultural workshops and arts projects which were publicly displayed. They also organised campus visits to further and higher education institutions.

The evaluation report stated:

“Through these activities, students have enjoyed learning, made positive associations with learning, recognised their own ability and progress, developed their confidence, expressed pride in their culture and developed friendships. These outcomes are in turn, impacting on their learning experience in school where they are more confident to participate in class and, where they now have friends, they feel less isolated.”

Parents and guardians of Traveller children reported that they feel better equipped to engage with schools when they can reach out to the development workers for support.

Schools reported that attendance has improved and highlighted the importance of having a dedicated development worker. They were forthcoming in pointing out the value of “having Travellers in the position, supporting Travellers”.

Minister Foley said:

“I welcome this evaluation which confirms the positive role that the Education Community Development Worker Scheme has played in supporting Traveller and Roma children in primary and post-primary schools. Retaining Traveller and Roma children in education is key to improving their educational outcomes and enabling them to access employment as adults.”

The Education Community Development Worker Scheme currently funds 10 Traveller organisations across the country to support Traveller and Roma children in schools in their local areas.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality will continue to provide funding for this valuable work, taking account of the recommendations of this evaluation.”

The scheme is funded by an annual allocation of €650,000 from the Dormant Accounts Fund and overseen by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

The goals of the scheme include improve the learning experience and educational outcomes for Traveller and Roma students, improving attendance, participation and retention and improving parental/ guardian engagement with the school community.

The evaluation found that progress has been made towards meeting all the goals of the Scheme but that more work needed to be done to increase the number of Roma involved in it.

The report from the review can be accessed through the link here.

ENDS

Notes for Editors

  • The Traveller and Roma Education Community Development Worker Scheme was developed in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, which exacerbated already existing educational inequalities for Traveller and Roma children and young people. The Scheme has been in operation since 2022.

  • The number of Travellers living in Ireland counted through Census 2022 was 32,949 and there are 16,059 Roma living in Ireland.

  • An independent evaluation of the Roma Education Community Development Worker project was undertaken to: inform decisions by the Department relative to further development of the Scheme, inform future policy development in relation to DCDE’s central role in coordinating the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy II (NTRIS II) action plans and objectives; and, contribute to the work of Government Departments in the development of education policies to meet the needs of the Traveller and Roma communities.

  • The National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy II 2024-2028 (NTRIS II) action 49 commits the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the Department of Education and Youth to review the findings of the evaluation of the Education Community Development Worker Scheme.

Examples of the work of Education Community Development Workers provided in the evaluation report

  • Ballyfermot Traveller Action Project published a report, Voice of Ballyfermot Traveller Children, which documented students’ experiences and informed school-based supports. They delivered cultural workshops, creative arts projects, a lunchtime club, and one-to-one support to prevent exclusions. They also promoted stronger parent engagement through reading workshops and support during disciplinary actions.

  • Blanchardstown Traveller Development Group worked to address discrimination and support family advocacy. They completed a research study on education barriers, set up afterschool clubs, and created spaces for parents to connect and share experiences. They engaged schools in cultural awareness training and worked to foster more positive relationships between Traveller families and educators.

  • Bray Travellers Community Development Group used lived experience to shape their programme. They held regular consultations with families and schools, ran a twice weekly afterschool programme with a focus on wellbeing, and hosted parent evenings to identify key education issues. They also engage children and young people in arts based projects, which have been displayed publicly. Their engagement with local school stakeholders informed an evolving education strategy tailored to Traveller needs.

  • Galway Traveller Movement addressed literacy, racism, and stakeholder engagement. They developed a Literacy for Parents programme with the University of Galway, ran cultural and anti-racism workshops, and built links with schools and family support networks. Their outreach supported increased school participation and a stronger community voice in education planning.

  • Meath Travellers Workshop focused on academic supports and practical life skills. They partnered with DKIT to provide grinds and access to learning tools like Studyclix, and delivered CV workshops, and cultural events. Their work supported disengaged students and encouraged participation in post-secondary options like apprenticeships and Youthreach.

  • Waterford, Mincéirí Port Láirge expanded their Brighter Futures Club to nine schools. They ran cultural activities such as beady pocket workshops and helped secure funding for a dedicated literacy worker. Their work increased visibility of Traveller culture in schools and supported more families through outreach and referrals.

  • Wicklow Travellers Group supported youth engagement and school inclusion. A Traveller youth group they worked with became a finalist in a national inclusion competition. They advocated for Leaving Certificate Applied programmes in underserved areas, and supported school and family links through home visits, drop-ins, and youth activities.

Early Years Inspectorate – New Enforcement Powers -Guidance document and Webinar

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Early Years Inspectorate Enforcement Powers

The Inspectorate has published some additional information relating to the introduction of the new enforcement powers

Additional information on the website about the new powers

 

A guidance document intended to provide information and guidance to Registered Providers of early years services (including childminders), and management and staff in early years services on Statutory Notices and Orders.

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A webinar providing information and advice relation to the implementation of the new powers