17% increase in number of children availing of Government funded childcare subsidies

/in /by

A record number of children – approximately 190,000 – have benefitted from the National Childcare Scheme this year.

Last September, the minimum rate for the National Childcare Scheme subsidy increased by 52 per cent.

This means that families using full-time early learning and childcare (45 weekly hours) now receive a minimum of €96.30 per week in universal subsidies per child, which can be up to €5,007 in subsidies off their annual bill per child.

New figures show that the number of children benefiting from the National Childcare Scheme between last September and May has increased by 17% on the same previous period to 189,716.

Higher subsidy rates of up to €5.10 per hour, or €229.50 per week, may be available under the National Childcare Scheme for families who choose to apply for an income assessed award. These rates, which depend on the family’s income, and the age of the child, mean that some families may not have to pay any contribution towards the cost of early learning and childcare for their child.

Since last September childminders have also been able to register with Tusla, and parents who use Tusla-registered childminders can now apply to avail of subsidies through the National Childcare Scheme.

The rise in the number of children benefiting from the National Childcare Scheme is being announced as parents and their children are invited to join the Department of Children at the ‘Budding Bloomers’ section of Bord Bia Bloom.

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

“I’m very pleased to see a 17 per cent rise in the number of children benefiting from the National Childcare Scheme since the increase in National Childcare Scheme subsidies took effect as part of Budget 2024. I hope the number of families using the scheme continues to increase as the year progresses.

I’m keen that parents take the opportunity to find out more about what supports are available to them. If they want to use a registered childminder who is providing a childminding service in their own home, they can now avail of the National Childcare Scheme as well. State investment to the tune of €1.37 billion this year is helping considerably to transform the early learning and childcare sector in this country.”

At the Department of Children’s stand at the ‘Budding Bloomers’ section of Bord Bia Bloom, children will have the opportunity to plant their own strawberries while parents can find out more about the Government supports available to help reduce the cost of early learning and childcare. These supports include the National Childcare Scheme and the Early Childhood Care and Education programme.

Staff from the Department, the City/County Childcare Committees and Pobal will be there to speak

with parents who would like to find out more about these Government supports.

All families with children under 15 are encouraged to avail of the supports on offer through the

National Childcare Scheme by visiting https://www.ncs.gov.ie/en/ or by calling the Parent Support Centre on 01 906 8530.

Any family or childminder looking for more information on childminding options available to them, should contact their local City or County Childcare Committee. A full list of the 30 City and County Childcare Committees can be found here.

NOTES TO EDITOR:

Year Number of unique children benefitting from NCS
2019 5,149
2020 48,032
2021 76,432
2022 123,528
2023 182,247
2024 218,362
2025 Year-to-date 189,716*
Total 281,820

*The number of children benefiting from the National Childcare Scheme is expected to increase further as this year progresses.

Minister Foley publishes results from Ipsos B&A poll showing improvement in childcare affordability

/in /by

Minister Foley publishes results from Ipsos B&A poll showing improvement in childcare affordability

Press Release

  • 49% of parents of pre-school age children and 53% of parents of school-going children in non-parental care report that they find it easy or fairly easy to pay for childcare
  • this latest data compares favourably with data from 2023 when 28% of parents of pre-school age children and 43% of parents of school-going children in non-parental care reported that they found it easy or fairly easy to pay for childcare
  • three quarters of parents in receipt of childcare subsidies from the State report that they find the subsidies easy to access
  • 85% of parents of pre-school children and 83% of school-going children report using their preferred childcare arrangement
  • 95% of parents of pre-school children and 93% of parents of school-going children report to be satisfied with their current childcare arrangements

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley today published results of a wide-ranging survey on childcare undertaken earlier this year by Ipsos B&A on behalf of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality.

The nationally representative poll of more than 700 families with children under 15 reveals increases in the proportion of parents who report to find it easy or fairly easy to pay for early learning and childcare.

Specifically, 49% of parents of pre-school age children and 53% of parents of school going children in non-parental care report they find it easy or fairly easy to pay for childcare. These latest data compare favourably with data from 2023 when 28% of parents of pre-school age children and 43% of parents of school going children in non-parental care reported they found it easy or fairly easy to pay for childcare.

These data were gathered following the introduction of fee management under the government’s Core Funding Scheme, including a fee freeze introduced in 2022. Parents also now benefit from recent increases in subsidies under the National Childcare Scheme – with 74% of parents availing of these subsidies to offset out of pocket costs for childcare reporting that the subsidies were easy to access.

Notwithstanding this progress, findings show many parents continue to experience difficulty finding a childcare place for their child and in paying for childcare, including 38% of parents of pre-school age children in non-parental care who reported they find it difficult or very difficult to meet the out-of-pocket costs.

Additional analysis of the data by staff at the Department of Children also identified key gender differences, with significantly more females reporting that difficulties arranging early learning and childcare had:

  • restricted the hours they could work or study (73% of females compared to 57% of males)
  • stopped then from taking on some study or training (46% of females versus 36% of males)
  • prevented them looking for a job (39% of females versus 22% of males)
  • made them turn down or leave a job (35% of females versus 21% of males)

The poll also gathered data on parental awareness of existing State supports. 91% reported that they were aware that all children aged 2 years and 8 months to 5 years and 6 months are eligible for two years free preschool under the ECCE programme while 55% reported that they were aware that families of children aged 14 and under are eligible for financial support towards the cost of childcare under the National Childcare Scheme.

Commenting on the findings, Minister Foley said:

“The National Childcare Scheme is currently supporting thousands of families to offset their childcare costs.

“Moreover, the recent extension of regulation to paid, non-relative childminders is opening up of the National Childcare Scheme to an increasing number of childminders, enabling more parents to access State subsidies who were previously unable to do so.

“These developments to the National Childcare Scheme combined with fee management measures under Core Funding, have resulted in tangible improvements for many families.

“I do recognise however that the burden on some families remains high and some continue to face challenges in accessing places, particularly families with very young children.

“That is why the Programme for Government has made very ambitious commitments in this policy area, which I am committed to delivering on.”

Minister Foley continued:

“Results from the survey show awareness of supports under the National Childcare Scheme, while improving on recent years, remains low.

“An awareness raising campaign, led by my department, is underway.

“As part of that campaign, my department will be engaging with families at the ‘Budding Bloomers’ section of Bord Bia Bloom this weekend to discuss the supports available to help reduce the cost of childcare.”

Full details on supports available to reduce the cost of childcare is available at www.gov.ie/childcare.

Full details on the poll of parents can be found online.

New Nurturing Skills Website

/in /by

PRESS RELEASE

National ‘Aistear’ Conference welcomes the launch of innovative new ‘Nurturing Skills’ website, designed to support over 30,000 staff in early years settings

  • first of its kind portal for staff is a significant milestone towards a national Continuing Professional Development system for the sector
  • the Learning Hub will provide educators with learning materials and training opportunities in several areas including Quality & Inclusive Practice, Health & Wellbeing and the Irish language
  • conference focused on familiarising stakeholders with the updated Aistear curriculum framework, which will come into effect this September

The innovative new Nurturing Skills website was launched by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality at the national conference – ‘Continuing the Journey: Exploring the updated Aistear’ – which took place in Dublin today. This new online platform, nurturingskills.ie, will support over 31,000 staff working with 235,000 children in early learning and care, school-age childcare and childminding settings in Ireland. It offers practical tools, reflective resources and professional guidance to promote inclusive practice and protect their own health and wellbeing.

The Nurturing Skills website will host the new Nurturing Skills Learning Hub, which provides educators with easy access to learning materials and training opportunities in several areas including Inclusive practice, Health & wellbeing and the Irish language.

The website also represents a significant milestone towards achieving a national Continuing Professional Development system for the sector, which was a commitment in Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Development Plan.

Commenting on the launch of the new Nurturing Skills website, Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley said:

“I am delighted to see the launch of the new Nurturing Skills website, which is an innovative platform designed to support and empower educators in their ongoing professional journey. This online resource reflects our strong commitment to inclusive practice and continuous professional development, providing easy access to high-quality learning materials and training opportunities designed to support and inspire educators.

“By providing a central hub for professional development, we are investing not just in our educators but in the future of all children in early learning and childcare settings.”

The website was launched today as part of the national conference – ‘Continuing the Journey: Exploring the updated Aistear’. This conference is one of a series of dissemination activities taking place following the launch of the updated Framework and associated Guidelines for Good Practice in December 2024.

Aistear, the Irish word for journey, was Ireland’s first curriculum framework for early childhood education when it was introduced in 2009. This is the first update since then and it will come into effect in September this year.

The updated Aistear is for all children from birth to six years in all settings other than primary and special schools. Aistear acknowledges that babies, toddlers and young children’s early experiences have a formative impact that can last throughout their lives. It is important for babies, toddlers and young children that Aistear is implemented in their early learning and care services to promote high quality learning experiences for children. The Framework can be used by all those who support babies, toddlers and young children and is particularly useful to those educators who work in professional roles and who play a significant role in the daily lives of young children.

Minister Foley said:

“I am delighted that the Department of Children, Disability and Equality have hosted this national conference focused on the updated Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework.

“This updated Framework reaffirms our commitment to a play-based and inquiry-led approach to early education, recognising both as essential. By placing the child at the centre and valuing children’s natural curiosity, educators are supported to nurture confident, capable and creative learners from the very start.

“This update reflects the latest research and best practice, and it ensures that every child can thrive in a setting that celebrates play, inclusion and joyful discovery.”

Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee said:

“I very much welcome this conference marking the update of Aistear, the Early Childhood Curriculum Framework and demonstrating the collective commitment to ensuring that the youngest members of our society are given the highest quality early learning and care experiences.

“The process of updating Aistear, by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, is supported by extensive research and consultation with children, parents and the many stakeholders across the ELC and education sectors. Early childhood is a significant stage of a child’s development; one that establishes dispositions that impact on children’s well-being, learning and development.

“Aistear, as the early childhood curriculum framework, seeks to ensure that children are supported to develop their creativity, resilience, empathy and independence and build their confidence to pursue their unique abilities, strength and interests. The core principles that underpin the updated Aistear will continue to be embedded in the next stages of their education through the new Primary Curriculum Framework, the Junior Cycle Framework and ultimately on into the Senior Cycle Framework. Education is a lifelong learning journey and I am very pleased to be working collaboratively with the Minister for Children, Equality and Disability as we support ongoing Aistear implementation.”

Speakers at the event included: Professor Iram Siraj, University of Oxford and National University of Ireland, Maynooth; Arlene Forster, Dr. Sharon Skehill, Dr. Mary Daly and Lorraine Farrell, National Council for Curriculum and Assessment; Dr. Geraldine French and Dr. Grainne Mc Kenna, Dublin City University; Shirley Heaney, Mary Immaculate College; and Máire Úi Mhurchú. Workshops on the day focused on a range of topics including slow relational pedagogy, outdoor learning, inclusive practice, Gaeilge, the role of the adult, and transitions.

Notes

Photos from the conference available and issued to photodesks by Gareth Chancey.

The conference took place in the Dublin Royal Convention Centre on 24 May 2025.

The keynote speaker was Professor Iram Siraj, University of Oxford and National University of Ireland, Maynooth.

Aistear was published in December 2024, following a process of updating the previous version (2009). The updating was led by the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA), under the aegis of the Department of Education and Youth, working in close collaboration with the Department of Children, Disability and Equality and the early learning and care sector.

Nurturing Skills, the Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare, was launched in December 2021. Nurturing Skills sets out plans to raise the profile of careers in the sector and establish role profiles, career pathways, qualification requirements, and associated policy mechanisms, along with leadership development opportunities, and will work towards a more gender-balanced and diverse workforce.

Commitments in Nurturing Skills are organised under five “pillars”:

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

Press release: Minister Foley announces €25 million in funding to deliver 1,500 additional early learning and childcare places

/in /by
Full Press Release

Minister Foley announces €25 million in funding to deliver 1,500 additional early learning and childcare places

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley has today announced €25 million in funding to deliver 1,500 additional early learning and childcare places.

The Building Blocks Extension Scheme will deliver additional capacity by supporting existing private and community early learning and childcare providers to extend their premises. It will also allow community services to purchase or construct new premises.

Grants of up to €500,000 are being provided for large-scale extensions for community and private early learning and childcare services.

Grants of up to €750,000 are being allocated to purchase or construct new premises for community early learning and childcare services.

In total, 49 community and privately operated services have been shortlisted for funding under the scheme.

Minister Foley said:

“I am very pleased to approve the shortlisting of these services under the Building Blocks Extension Scheme. These projects will deliver 1,500 quality, affordable places for children in areas where they are needed most, which is a key priority of the Government. It will be a huge boost for parents in these areas.”

“I absolutely recognise that we need to go further to support parents, educators, practitioners and providers across the early learning and childcare sector, with the focus always on ensuring positive experiences for children. I will be developing an action plan to set out the important next steps that build on the very positive foundations we now have in place.”

Minister Foley

The Building Blocks Extension Scheme funds additional places through four categories

  • extensions to existing premises for private early learning and childcare services
  • extensions to existing premises for community early learning and childcare services
  • purchase of new premises for community early learning and childcare services
  • construction of new premises for community early learning and childcare services

All early learning and childcare services were required to deliver net increases in full-time places for one to three-year-olds in order to qualify for Building Blocks funding.

In line with the State’s policy of universal accessibility for people with disabilities, early learning and childcare services getting Building Blocks funding are also required to incorporate Universal Design Guidelines for early learning and childcare services so premises can be used by children, parents and staff of all abilities.

All early learning and childcare services getting Building Blocks funding have provided a comprehensive construction plan that has outlined in detail all elements and stages of the proposed works. A team of architects at the Office of Public Works appraised the quality and readiness of the applications, and Pobal reviewed the evidence of need.

Minister Foley thanked the Office of Public Works and Pobal for assisting the Department of Children, Disability and Equality in the delivery of the Building Blocks scheme.

Minister Foley has contacted the successful services to advise them of the next steps. It is expected that the projects will commence in the coming months, with many of the additional places coming on stream to towards the end of the year.

The Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme is part of the wider Building Blocks Capital Programme for Early Learning and Childcare under the National Development Plan. It is the third capital scheme under the Building Blocks programme. It follows the Building Blocks Improvement Grant, delivered in 2023 and the Building Blocks Expansion Scheme, delivered in 2024

Minister Foley is currently considering the possibilities for future capital programmes, including potentially operating a Building Blocks type scheme next year to support the expansion of provision by existing providers, subject to budgetary provision. As soon as those details are finalised, there will be further communication with the sector.

Notes

Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme

Strand 1: Extensions to private services

  • private providers could apply for funding between €50,000 (min) and €250,000 (max) to extend existing premises
  • match funding was required with a maximum contribution by the Department of €250,000 or 50% of total project costs, whichever was lower
  • project values between €100,000 and €650,000 were eligible, with any additional project costs exceeding €500,000 to be funded by the service

Strand 2: Extensions to community services

  • community providers could apply for funding between €100,000 (min) and €500,000 (max) to extend existing premises
  • project values between €100,000 and €650,000 were eligible
  • any additional project costs between €500,000 and €650,000 to be funded by the service

Strand 3: Purchase of building to supplement an existing premises or to replace a leased premises (community only)

  • community providers could apply for funding between €300,000 (min) and €750,000 (max) to purchase and fit out an Early Learning Childcare facility or a premises that could be easily adapted for this purpose
  • any additional project costs exceeding €750,000 to be funded by services, subject to a maximum project value of €1,500,000
  • services could purchase a premises to supplement their existing premises or to replace a leased premises

Strand 4: Construction of a new premises (community only)

  • community providers could apply for funding between €300,000 (min) and €750,000 (max) towards the cost of building a new premises or installation of a modular building
  • any additional project costs exceeding €750,000 to be funded by services, subject to a maximum project value of €1,500,000
  • services could construct a premises to supplement their existing premises or to replace a leased premises

As part of the application process, services were required to submit a Project Execution Plan, which sets out in detail the proposed work, along with the costings and timeframe for delivery of the project.

Applicants were required to deliver a certain minimum number of full-time places children aged 1-3 (pre-ECCE) in line with the value of the grant funding that they were seeking as set out below.

 

 

Name of Service Area County 0-3 Places to be delivered Strand Indicative allocation
Community Extension Strand
Donoughmore Family Resource Centre Donoughmore Cork 20 Community Extension €437,303
Loughgraney Kids Corner Feakle Clare 10 Community Extension €189,989
Obair Newmarket-on-Fergus CLG Newmarket-on-Fergus Clare 27 Community Extension €500,000
Cois Ceim Crèche Lisdoonvarna Clare 28 Community Extension €500,000
Ballymachugh Childcare Group Kilnaleck Cavan 27 Community Extension €500,000
Shercock Child Resource Centre Shercock Cavan 34 Community Extension €500,000
Ballyjamesduff Community  Crèche Ballyjamesduff Cavan 30 Community Extension €500,000
Creeslough Community Childcare Services Creeslough Donegal 44 Community Extension €500,000
Newbridge Family Resource Centre Newbridge

 

 Kildare 30 Community Extension €500,000
Bright Sparks Allenwood Kildare 36 Community Extension €500,000
Oasis Freshford Kilkenny 41 Community Extension €500,000
Urlingford Community Centre Urlingford Kilkenny 12 Community Extension €226,187
Duagh Childcare Listowel Kerry 15 Community Extension €335,000
The Hive Summerhill Meath 18 Community Extension €289,564
Clones Community Childcare Clones Monaghan 20 Community Extension €366,382
Cuain Bhríde Four Mile House Roscommon 36 Community Extension €500,000
Nenagh Childcare Centre Nenagh Tipperary 27 Community Extension €492,595
Happy Days Crèche Ballyporeen Tipperary 17 Community Extension €117,360
Lios na nÓg Passage East Waterford 10 Community Extension €198,200
Raheen Crèche Raheen Wexford 25 Community Extension €500,000
Teach na nÓg Carrig on Bannow Wexford 10 Community Extension €199,590
Riverside Early Childhood Centre Limerick City Limerick 61 Community Extension €500,000
Glor na nÓg Aghamore Mayo 20 Community Extension €245,000
Newbliss Childcare Services Ltd Newbliss Monaghan 22 Community Extension €500,000
Private Extension
Magic Years Beechlawn Clonsilla Dublin 18 Private Extension €250,000
Acorn Crèche and Montessori Naas Kildare 34 Private Extension €250,000
Naoinra Montessori Lusk Lusk Dublin 12 Private Extension €84,375
Classes Afterschool Cork City Cork 25 Private Extension €88,485
The Learning Tree Kilmacrennan Donegal 12 Private Extension €195,414
Mary’s House Ballapousta Ballapousta Louth 54 Private Extension €250,000
Inis Óg Childcare Inniskeane Monaghan 15 Private Extension €70,576
Community Construction
Banteer Community Childcare Services CLG (BCCS) Banteer Cork 28 Community Construction €750,000
Rainbow Childcare Crèche (Community Childcare Bantry) Bantry Cork 35 Community Construction €750,000
Rathoe Community Childcare Rathoe Carlow 30 Community Construction €599,954
Letterkenny Community Childcare CLG Letterkenny Donegal 54 Community Construction €750,000
Cherry Orchard Community Childcare Services Ltd Cherry Orchard Dublin 40 Community Construction €750,000
Little Voyagers Childcare Tralee Kerry 39 Community Construction €750,000
Banogue Community Crèche CLG Croom Limerick 35 Community Construction €750,000
Trim Community Childcare CLG Trim Meath 51 Community Construction €750,000
Tubbercurry Family & Childcare Resource Centre Tubbercurry Sligo 33 Community Construction €695,085
Boston Community Childcare Ltd Tubber Clare 20 Community Construction €428,894
Knockatallon Community Childcare CLG Knockatallon Monaghan 45 Community Construction €750,000
Ardaghey Community Childcare Ardaghey Monaghan 38 Community Construction €750,000
Birchgrove Childcare Mountrath Laois 42 Community Construction €309,475
Carrickroe Community Childcare Carrickroe Monaghan 41 Community Construction €647,251
Community Purchasing
Askea Community Services Carlow Town Carlow 36 Community Purchasing €750,000
Eivers Lane Childcare Mohill Leitrim 44 Community Purchasing €750,000
Spraoi agus Spoirt Carndonagh Donegal 55 Community Purchasing €750,000
Krafty Kidz Ballyconnell Ballyconnell Cavan 40 Community Purchasing €750,000
Total     1,496    

Press release: Minister Foley awards Childminding Development Grants to over 400 Childminders

/in /by
Press release

Minister Foley awards Childminding Development Grants to over 400 Childminders

  • Total value of awards under the Childminding Development Grants is up 7% on 2024 and up 22% on 2023, and is at the highest level since the Grant scheme was introduced.
  • 413 childminders have been successful and will be awarded a combined funding total of over €410,000.

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley T.D., today announced the 2025 Childminding Development Grant awards, which will see 413 childminders across the country receive €411,338 in combined funding – the highest number of recipients and highest amount of funding ever awarded under the annual Grant scheme. The Minister’s support for the Grants reflects her ongoing commitment to the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-28.

The Minister said:

“Childminders are an essential part of our early learning and care and school-age childcare sector and of our local communities. I am delighted to be able to support an increase in the number of childminders benefiting from the Childminding Development Grant – and to support childminders to enhance quality and safety in their service.

“The Childminding Development Grant is one of a range of supports provided to childminders through the National Action Plan for Childminding, which remains a priority for the Department of Children, Disability and Equality. As a result of the new regulations introduced in 2024, childminders can now register with Tusla and parents who use childminders can now benefit from the National Childcare Scheme.”

The Childminding Development Grant aims to support childminders to enhance quality and safety in their service through the purchase of toys, childcare equipment, safety equipment, equipment to support inclusion, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) and the Arts, as well as IT equipment to assist childminders to engage with training and registration processes.

The Grants were open to all childminders, including those planning to open a childminding business in 2025. 75% of the grant is paid in advance to help childminders with the upfront costs of purchasing equipment.

Successful applicants will receive information about their grant awards over the coming days.

The increase in the number of awards reflects the rising demand for the Grant among childminders. It also reflects the Government’s commitment to support childminders to prepare for registration with Tusla. In line with the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028, regulations written specifically for childminders came into effect for the first time in September 2024, making it possible for all childminders to register with Tusla and take part in the National Childcare Scheme (NCS).

Those childminders who were previously exempt from regulation have a three-year transition period until 2027 during which they are now able to register with Tusla but are not yet required to do so.

For further information about the National Action Plan for Childminding, see www.gov.ie/childminding

ENDS/

Note to Editor:

A breakdown of grants by county is included in the table below:

City / County Childcare Committee area Number of successful applicants Total € Amount of grants by CCC area
Carlow 11 €11,000
Cavan 17 €16,700
Clare 19 €19,000
Cork City 11 €11,000
Cork County 22 €22,000
Donegal 12 €12,000
Dublin City 12 €12,000
Dún Laoghaire Rathdown 17 €16,900
Fingal 26 €26,000
Galway 25 €24,500
Kerry 19 €19,000
Kildare 11 €11,000
Kilkenny 5 €5,000
Laois 5 €5,000
Leitrim 3 €3,000
Limerick 35 €35,000
Longford 3 €3,000
Louth 9 €9,000
Mayo 16 €16,000
Meath 21 €20,990
Monaghan 11 €11,000
Offaly 4 €4,000
Roscommon 10 €10,000
Sligo 11 €10,850
South Dublin 18 €18,000
Tipperary 12 €12,000
Waterford 14 €13,998
Westmeath 10 €9,400
Wexford 10 €10,000
Wicklow 14 €14,000
 
Totals 413 €411,338

 

Full Press Release

Press release: My Little Library 2025 Initiative Launches for 60,000 children starting primary school in the coming months

/in /by

 

PRESS RELEASE

My Little Library 2025 Initiative Launches for 60,000 children starting primary school in the coming months

  • All children who are due to start primary school this year are entitled to their free book bag, with books in English or ‘as Gaeilge.’
  • An average of 20,000 children around Ireland join their local library every year thanks to the My Little Library initiative.

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, together with Minister of State for Charities, Gaeltacht and the Islands & Rural Transport, Jerry Buttimer, today announced the launch of this year’s My Little Library free book bag for almost 60,000 children starting primary school.

Each year, every one of the almost 60,000 children leaving pre-school and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library to pick up a free book bag and take the opportunity to join the library.

The My Little Library initiative 2025 is expected to lead to tens of thousands of families picking up their book bags and joined their local library. Since its launch, an average of 20,000 4-5 year olds have joined their local libraries annually.

The books and resources in the book bag, which is available in both English and ‘as Gaeilge’, support parents and their children in the transition to primary school.

From 9th of May 2025, all children completing the free universal pre-school Early Childhood Care and Education Programme and starting primary school are invited to visit their local library and pick up a free book bag. The bags will be available throughout the summer. All families are welcomed to join the library if they are not already members.

Minister Foley said she was pleased to announce the 2025 My Little Library initiative.

“Reading is a magical gift and it is great to give children the opportunity to develop a love of reading from a young age. Many parents may not be aware that every child about to enter primary school is eligible for their free My Little Library book bag. That’s why I am urging every family with a child starting primary school this September to pick up their Little Library book bag from their local library.
The transition from pre-school to primary school is such an important moment for every child in Ireland. Books and stories support connection between parents and their children. They also promote early language and literacy development which is crucial for children’s success in early childhood and beyond. “

Minister Buttimer said today:

“I warmly welcome the launch of the 2025 My Little Library Initiative. I know that the library staff across the country share my enthusiasm for connecting young families with our excellent national library service.

“Books and stories are a lovely way of helping parents support their children with their learning journey and becoming a library member gives lifelong access to the joy of books and reading.”

My Little Library is run in association with the Local Government Management Agency and delivered by local authorities. It is a collaboration between the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the Department of Rural and Community Development, and Local Government Ireland.

Minister Foley publishes 2024 progress report for First 5, the whole of government strategy for babies, young children and their families

/in /by

Press Release

  • €1.3 billion investment in early learning and childcare this year, which builds on the €1 billion investment target that was met in 2023, five years earlier than anticipated
  • 95% of 2024 commitments expected to be delivered by year end
  • Further milestones include extra two weeks of paid Parent’s Leave and an additional payment of €280 for a new baby among others

The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, has today published the First 5 Annual Implementation Report 2024.

First 5, the ten-year Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families was published in November 2018. The strategy includes 125 actions to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families in their “First 5” years of life. The strategy is delivered by a wide variety of stakeholders whose contributions are vital to its success including ten Government Departments, the HSE, Tusla, as well as 31 delivery partners.

The report published today summarises recent progress in implementing the strategy, with 56% of all 2024 commitments met at this point and 95% expected to be met by year end. In particular, the report details €1.3 billion of investment for early learning and childcare, which builds on the €1 billion investment target that was met in 2023, five years earlier than anticipated

The report contains details on all the milestones reached so far, as all Departments, Agencies, Partners, and stakeholders work together to implement the First 5 Big Steps. Some of the key achievements from 2024 that have already been achieved include:

  • Parents with a child under two years of age are each entitled to an extra two weeks of paid Parent’s Leave and Benefit.
  • A 24% increase for early learning and childcare in Budget 2025, bringing funding up by €266 million to over €1.3 billion.
  • Launch of the Parent Peer Support Fund to help organisations promote the sharing of information and improve parental wellbeing with €100,000 of available funding.
  • The ‘New Baby Grant’, which is an additional payment of €280 for a newborn or adopted child, was announced as part of Budget 2025.
  • The progression of several measures and supports encouraging optimal health behaviours such as breast feeding, healthy eating, physical activity, and child safety.
  • The extension of the Access and Inclusion Model to children in the universal two-year pre-school Early Childhood Care and Education Programme (ECCE) programme. This involves providing targeted supports to children with disabilities outside of time spent in the ECCE programme, throughout the year.
  • The Building Blocks Expansion Scheme allocated €1.3m to services to undertake renovations or to upgrade existing space to cater for more children. It is expected to deliver up to 300 new places for one to three-year-olds.
  • Childminder-specific regulations were introduced to allow registered childminders to be covered by the National Childcare Scheme.
  • Equal Start, a new model of state supports, was launched to ensure children experiencing disadvantage can access and meaningfully participate in early learning and childcare.

Speaking about today’s publication, Minister Foley said she was pleased with the: “considerable progress that has been made to deliver on the commitments in the First 5 Strategy by Government departments, state agencies and the community and voluntary sector.”

“I believe a lot can be accomplished in this term of Government to improve services and supports to young children in their “First 5” years of life. Our new Programme for Government includes important steps to improve accessibility and affordability of early learning and childcare, to professionalise its workforce, improve quality and to alleviate childhood poverty.”

“As we move towards the final phase of implementation of the First 5 Strategy, I strongly believe that we can create positive change to ensure all children can get the best start in life and reach their full potential. I look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders to bring us closer to this reality.”

Notes

The First 5 Implementation Plan 2023-2025 was launched in November 2023. It includes 125 actions to improve the lives of babies, young children and their families. Some key achievements for 2024 include:

A broader range of options for parents to balance working and caring

  • From August 2024, parents with a child under two years of age or who have adopted a child within the last two years will each be entitled to an extra two weeks of paid Parent’s Leave and Benefit.
  • The right to request flexible working for parents and carers, which was introduced through the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, was commenced on 6 March 2024.

A new model of parenting support

  • A total of €75,000 was distributed among 37 organisations under the 2023/24 Parent Peer Support Fund. This funding facilitated delivery of parent peer support projects by organisations who provide a diverse range of services such as domestic violence, kinship care, breastfeeding, disability, and migrant supports. In 2024/25, the total funding available has increased to €100,000.
  • Ten Children and Young People’s Services Committees (CYPSCs) participated in a pilot of a Parenting Support Awareness Fund, funding CYPSC to promote existing parenting support services in their local areas. The learnings from the pilot were incorporated into the fund in 2024 which was then rolled out to all 27 CYPSCs.

New developments in child health

  • The HSE launched the updated National Infant Feeding Education Programme for healthcare providers, with a focus on standardising the delivery of breastfeeding education and skills training, maximising blended learning, and ensuring health care staff are up to date with emerging evidence. To date five thousand staff have enrolled and over 70 staff have been trained to deliver breastfeeding skills training sessions within maternity and public health nursing services.
  • During 2024, 11 additional Home Visiting Programmes were approved through the Children’s Fund in partnership with Tusla.
  • A Project Officer was appointed to spearhead work on a dedicated child health workforce.

Reform of the Early Learning and Care system

  • Budget 2025 allocated an additional €266 million for early learning and childcare, representing an increase of 24% from 2024.
  • The Building Blocks Expansion Scheme allocated €1.3m to services to undertake renovations or to upgrade existing space to cater for more children. It is expected to deliver up to 300 new places for one to three-year-olds. The €25 million Building Blocks Extension scheme was opened for applications in November 2024.
  • Childminder related exemptions were removed from primary legislation and childminder-specific regulations were introduced in September.
  • Under Nurturing Skills: The Workforce Plan for Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare (2022-2028), 47 of 57 actions for 2024 were either completed or in progress.

A package of measures to tackle early childhood poverty and disadvantage

  • Equal Start was launched; a major new model of government-funded supports to ensure children experiencing disadvantage can access and meaningfully participate in early learning and childcare. Settings benefitting from setting-targeted supports – approximately 800 in the initial implementation phase – have been objectively identified as operating in the context of the highest levels of concentrated disadvantage.
  • An additional payment of €280 for a newborn or adopted child (the ‘New Baby Grant’) was announced as part of Budget 2025. It is estimated that in 2025, the grant will be paid in respect of some 54,000 children.

Minister Foley welcomes the opening of the application process associated with the expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme

/in /by

Press Release

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley today (1st May 2025) welcomed the announcement by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency of the opening of the application process associated with the expansion of the Family Resource Centre Programme.

Family Resource Centres acting as a national network have been active in Ireland for over 20 years and have a significant impact locally, regionally and nationally. FRCs impact on the lives of children, families, individual adults including older people and whole communities because of their human rights-based approach to community development across the life-course. Their progressive approach means they provide empowering, non-stigmatising supports for all the community but also more targeted supports to those who need it most.

In 2023, 129,305 people participated in FRC community-based initiatives, while 15,578 people availed of group-based supports. Working in partnership with Tusla, FRCs operate a prevention and early intervention approach, offering support to all children and families in the community. In 2023 FRCs delivered 52,481 parenting/family support sessions, 70,960 counselling and therapeutic support sessions, while 51,154 children and young people benefited from pre and after school activities

Funding was secured as part of Budget 2025 to allow membership of the Family Resource Centre Programme to increase from 121 to 126 nationally, in line with the Programme for Government commitment.

Applications to join the Family Resource Centre Programme will be managed by Tusla. Groups/organisations interested in applying will be required to complete an application form, and to comply with the criteria for membership of the Programme.

Interested groups/organisations will have four weeks to complete the application process. Tusla will arrange to supply a dedicated application form to any group/organisation expressing an interest.

Minister Foley said:

The Programme for Government commits to increasing funding and expanding the capacity and network of Family Resource Centres. In this context, I am very much aware of the valuable work that Family Resource Centres do in our communities, including engaging with vulnerable families, offering services to individuals across the whole life cycle from early years to senior citizens, and fostering a positive and inclusive community spirit. I am delighted that Tusla is commencing the search for new FRC Programme members, and that in the coming months we will have an additional five Programme members in place.

Notes to the Editor

  • The Family Resource Centre (FRC) Programme is a community development initiative that is supported by multiple State agencies and Government Departments in a partnership approach. FRCs may draw on various sources of funding provided by Government Departments, agencies and private sources.
  • With 121 centres nationwide, FRCs are usually located in disadvantaged areas and serve as vital hubs for a wide range of community activities, catering to all age groups from early childhood to senior citizens.
  • FRCs provides a range of universal and targeted services and development opportunities that address the needs of families. These can include but are not limited to:
    • The provision of information, advice and support to target groups and families e.g. information concerning the range of services and development options available locally, and advice on accessing rights and entitlements. FRCs act as a focal point for onward referrals to mainstream service providers.
    • Delivering education courses and training opportunities.
    • The establishment and maintenance of new community groups to meet local needs and the delivery of services at local level (e.g. childcare facilities, after-school clubs, men’s groups, etc.)
    • The provision of counselling and support to individuals and groups (Prevention and Early Intervention measures such as counselling, psychotherapy and therapeutic supports can improve the quality of children’s home lives and family relationships, increase educational attainment and support good mental health).
    • Developing capacity and leadership within communities.
    • Supporting personal and group development.
    • Practical assistance to individuals and community groups, such as access to information technology and office facilities.
    • Practical assistance to existing community groups, such as providing help with organisational structures, assistance with accessing funding or advice on how to address specific social issues.
    • Supporting networking within the community.
    • Contributing to Policy work.
    • Practical supports to Ukrainian recipients of Temporary Protection, and International Protection Applicants. This includes support with school enrolment and medical care, integration and accommodation needs, and language and other direct supports.

 

Annual Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Forum held at Dublin Castle

/in /by

Link to Press Release

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, and Bernie McNally, Secretary General, Department of Education today (Wednesday, 30 April) addressed the annual Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Forum which took place in Dublin Castle.

This is the first forum to be held since the launch in May 2024 of Ireland’s Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033: Every Learner from Birth to Young Adulthood and supporting five-year implementation plan. The strategy’s vision is that: ‘Every learner, from birth to young adulthood, develops the necessary literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy skills to thrive and flourish as an individual, to engage and contribute fully as an ethical, active member of society and to live a satisfying and rewarding life.’

Minister for Education Helen McEntee said:

“Forums like this are not just about the strategy, they are about listening, learning, and ensuring our actions match the needs of the learners we serve.

“The way our learners engage with literacy, numeracy and digital literacy is evolving rapidly. It is essential we evolve with them not only in policy, but in practice. That means asking critical questions, being open to innovation, and recognising that no one-size-fits-all.

“My department is focused on ensuring that our strategies for literacy, numeracy, and digital literacy remain responsive to the evolving needs of learners, educators, and communities. Together, we can create an environment where every learner is empowered to thrive, both now and in the future.”

Speakers at the event included: Dr Sandra O’Neill, Institute of Education, Dublin City University and Dr Niamh O’Meara, EPI-STEM School of Education, University of Limerick, Áine Lynch and René O’Malley, National Parents Council. Workshops on the day focused on a range of topics including storytelling, outdoor learning, numeracy and mis/disinformation. There were also presentations and video contributions from early learning and care settings and schools which showcased inspiring literacy, numeracy and digital literacy practice.

Minister Foley said:

“Significantly the Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy highlights early childhood as the fundamental first stage on a child’s educational journey and the importance of children’s earliest experiences in language, literacy, and numeracy.

“This forum provides a valuable opportunity for us to come together with our colleagues across the primary and post-primary sectors, to share inspiring practice and explore innovative, evidence-based approaches to play-based learning.

“It is wonderful to see such strong participation from the early learning and care sector here today, and I look forward to hearing the insights and observations gathered in areas such as early mathematical thinking, story-telling traditions and the importance of language-rich environments for babies, toddlers and young children.”

Secretary General, Department of Education, Bernie McNally said:

“It was a real pleasure to meet the children and young people this morning. They are, after all, at the centre of everything we do in education. Seeing their energy and potential was a powerful reminder of why our work to support their learning and development is so important.

“Building strong literacy, numeracy, and digital skills is essential not just for academic success, but for full participation in an increasingly digital and global society. These skills form the foundation of opportunity, equality, and lifelong learning.

“Alongside the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, we are driving the Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy forward with energy, ambition, and collaboration. Together, we can build the core skills every learner needs to succeed in education, in the workforce, and in life.”

Minister Foley and Bernie McNally also acknowledged all who participated in the forum today and committed to continue to foster ongoing dialogue and action to support every learner’s success.

Notes

The forum took place at Dublin Castle on 30 April 2025.

The keynote speakers included:

  • Dr Sandra O’Neill, Institute of Education, Dublin City University
  • Dr Niamh O’Meara, EPI-STEM School of Education, University of Limerick
  • Áine Lynch, National Parents Council
  • René O’Malley, National Parents Council

Early learning and care settings and schools involved in the presentations were as follows:

  • Happy Days, Ballyporeen, Co. Tipperary.
  • Doon Convent National School, Co. Limerick.
  • St. Anthony’s Special School, Castlebar, Co. Mayo
  • Beneavin College, Finglas, Dublin 11

Background

Ireland’s Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy Strategy 2024-2033: Every Learner from Birth to Young Adulthood builds on the achievements and ambition of the Literacy and Numeracy Strategy 2011-2020 and the 2017 interim review. The new strategy continues the journey to nurture and enhance literacy, numeracy and digital literacy skills from birth to young adulthood to ensure that every individual is equipped with the essential skills to navigate and succeed in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

The areas for development and action, as identified in the strategy, span five pillars:

Pillar 1: Enabling parents and communities to support learners’ literacy, numeracy and digital literacy.

Pillar 2: Supporting the professional practice of early years educators, childminders and teachers.

Pillar 3: Supporting leadership in early learning and care and in the school system.

Pillar 4: Improving the learner experience through curriculum, pedagogy and assessment.

Pillar 5: Supporting diverse learners to achieve their potential.

A comprehensive five-year implementation plan has been developed which serves as the blueprint that transforms the strategy into actionable steps. It outlines the specific actions and initiatives that will be undertaken. Measuring the success of the strategy will be a continuous process.