Minister Rabbitte announces next funding call under the €3.5m Disability and Participation Awareness Fund 2024

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From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

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Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Anne Rabbitte, has launched the next call for applications to the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund.

The primary aim of this Fund is to support the participation and inclusion of people with disabilities in their local communities around Ireland. A total of €3.5 million has been allocated to the Fund this year. Applications are being invited under four thematic strands. Applications are particularly encouraged from organisations led by people with disabilities. In addition to cash grants, non-financial support will also be provided, which will be tailored to each project/organisation, and will be aimed at building its capacity and increasing its impact.

Strand 1

Supporting community, sports and physical participation: Funding projects/organisations that improve and encourage the accessibility of, and participation in, community life for disabled persons.

Strand 2

Supporting participation in arts and cultural activities: Funding projects/organisations supporting arts and cultural activities, particularly those that foster awareness of the lived experiences of people with disabilities and that support the participation of people with disabilities in arts and culture.

Strand 3

Supporting employment and apprenticeships: Funding social enterprise initiatives to provide valuable employment experience or apprenticeships to people with disabilities.

Strand 4

Supporting projects/initiatives in the area of neurodiversity: Funding projects/organisations supporting the participation of neurodiverse children and adults in their local communities.

The fund will be operated on behalf of the Department by Rethink Ireland. Organisations can make an application under the different strands through the Rethink Ireland website. Support for organisations to make an application will also be provided to organisations by Rethink Ireland.

Announcing the opening of the fund, Minister Rabbitte said:

“I am delighted to announce the launch of the next round of funding under the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund (DPAF). This funding has a strong focus on supporting people with disabilities to participate in their communities through arts, culture, sports, employment and apprenticeships.

Since I established the DPAF, I have been consistently impressed by the quality of the projects and initiatives being devised and led at a community level by organisations across Ireland. I am proud that the Disability Participation and Awareness Fund has been able to support so much of this great work over the past number of years. I look forward to seeing the projects which will emerge in this round of funding.

We are working this year again with Rethink Ireland on this important fund, and I encourage all organisations who may wish to apply to contact Rethink Ireland for support in making an application. Initiatives under this Fund make a tremendous impact in local communities, by encouraging and facilitating meaningful participation and inclusion of disabled people.”

NOTES FOR EDITORS

The Disability Participation and Awareness Fund will be operated through Rethink Ireland and is open to non-profit organisations to support the participation and inclusion of disabled people in local communities, across four different strands.

Strand 1

Supporting community, sports and physical participation: Funding projects/organisations that improve and encourage the accessibility of, and participation in, community life for disabled persons.

Strand 2

Supporting participation in arts and cultural activities: Funding projects/organisations supporting arts and cultural activities, particularly those that foster awareness of the lived experiences of people with disabilities and that support the participation of people with disabilities in arts and culture.

Strand 3

Supporting employment and apprenticeships: Funding social enterprise initiatives to provide valuable employment experience or apprenticeships to people with disabilities.

Strand 4

Supporting projects/initiatives in the area of neurodiversity: Funding projects/organisations supporting the participation of neurodiverse children and adults in their local communities.

Further information on the fund can be found on Rethink Ireland’s website.

• Rethink Ireland will undertake a fund outreach to ensure maximum exposure for the fund, including the provision of webinars.

• Funding from €50,000 to €200,000 per project will be made available under each strand.

• This fund is open to organisations that are not-for-profit.

2024/25 Parent Peer Support Fund now open for applications

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From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

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The Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, has today launched the 2024/25 Parent Peer Support Fund. The fund is open to organisations working with parents and/or children and young people to facilitate the development of parent peer support projects.

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, breast-feeding, disability, and migrant supports.

This year, the total funding available has increased to €100,000 and a new tier of funding has been introduced for applicants.

• Tier 1 will provide grants of €2,000 to 37 successful applicants who either currently operate, or wish to establish a new parent peer support project.

• Tier 2 will provide grants of €5,000 to 5 successful applicants who wish to scale up an existing parent peer support project, which is already having a positive impact on parents.

Speaking today Minister O’Gorman commented:

“I am delighted to launch the 2024/25 Parent Peer Support Fund. I am keenly aware of the value that this particular funding brings to organisations who work with parents, children, and young people”.

“Parent led peer-to-peer support initiatives promote the sharing of information, increase parents’ empowerment and improve parental wellbeing”. It is for these reasons, that I was eager to ensure that the level of support available to services through the Parent Peer Support Fund were expanded again this year. Increasing the total fund value from €75,000 to €100,000, along with the introduction of a second tier of enhanced financial assistance, specifically for established peer support projects, helps to ensure that my department will continue to enable organisations to deliver high quality peer support initiatives for parents & carers across the country”.

How to apply

Please find link to application forms for the €2,000 and €5,000 funding tiers, along with the funding Guidance and Terms and Conditions here.

For enquiries please contact: parentingsupport@equality.gov.ie

ENDS

Notes for Editors

Supporting Parents: A National Model of Parenting Support Services was developed in accordance with a commitment in First 5, A Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and Their Families 2019-2028. The model was developed by a collaborative working group led by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), with input from a wide range of stakeholders from across Government Departments, agencies and community and voluntary organisations.

The introduction of the Parent Peer Support Fund builds on commitments set out in Supporting Parents: A National Model of Parent Support Services, through the provision of funding for the enhancement and promotion of supports to assist parents.

The fund was first launched in 2022 and provided grants of €2,000 to 25 services. The 2023/24 round of funding was increased to provide grants of €2,000 to a total of 37 services.

This year, the total value of the fund has increased from €75,000 to €100,000 which will provide grants to 42 services. 2 tiers of funding will be provided under the 2024/25 Parent Peer Support Fund.

• Tier 1 will provide 37 grants of €2,000 to services seeking to set up new parent peer support projects, while Tier 2 will provide 5 grants of €5,000 to services who wish to scale up an existing parent peer support project, which is already having a positive impact on parents.

Queries can be directed to the Parenting Support Policy Unit by email to: parentingsupport@equality.gov.ie

Minister announces funding for Local Area Child Poverty Action Plans

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From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

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• Minister O’Gorman has awarded €378,000 to establish four pilot Local Area Child Poverty Action Plans to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children, young people and their families under the What Works initiative, funded under Dormant Accounts.

• Ireland’s National Action Plan under the European Child Guarantee commits to establish four pilot Child Poverty Local Area Action Child Poverty Action Plans in Children and Young People’s Services Committees (CYPSC) areas.

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, today announced the allocation of €378,000 under What Works to four Children and Young People’s Service Committees working in collaboration with their corresponding Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) to research and pilot Local Area Child Poverty Action Plans. Following a call for applications and selection process, 23 applications were received, and four applications were selected:

• Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Wicklow Children and Young People’s Service Committees and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and Wicklow Local Community and Development Committee

• Kildare Children and Young People’s Service Committees and Kildare Local Community and Development Committee

• Monaghan Children and Young People’s Service Committees and Monaghan Local Community and Development Committee

• Tipperary Children and Young People’s Service Committees and Tipperary Local Community and Development Committee

The objective of these pilot plans will be to improve outcomes for disadvantaged children, young people and their families by first gaining a detailed understanding of the child poverty problem in each area, and then using this information to promote experiences of enhanced service integration.

Funding is being made available through the What Works prevention and early intervention initiative which receives its funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF). The DAF is managed by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Announcing the fund, Minister O’Gorman said:

“The What Works Initiative, funded under Dormant Accounts, aims to take a coordinated approach to enhance capacity, knowledge and quality in prevention and early intervention for children, young people and their families, with a focus on those at risk of developing poor outcomes.

These four projects are undertaking important initiatives to better support innovation and collaboration between local organisations to enhance communications, knowledge sharing and joint working to respond to child poverty issues at local level. I look forward to seeing these pilots implemented and making real difference to the lives of children, young people and their families”.

Welcoming the announcement, the Taoiseach said:

“I am delighted to see significant funding awarded to four pilot Local Area Child Poverty Action Plans. I am particularly encouraged to see that all four pilots will explore how to enhance access to vital supports in the areas of early years, food and fuel poverty, for those facing challenging circumstances, and for disadvantaged families with neurodivergent children”.

We are fortunate to have many outstanding family and children’s services in Ireland, but sometimes they can be difficult to access and navigate, especially for families in poverty. These pilots will allow us to learn from innovative and practical action and will move us closer to making sure service integration means every child gets the service they need, when they need it – a key priority area in my Child Poverty and Well-being Programme Plan.”

As Minister for responsibility for the Dormant Accounts Fund, Minister O’Brien stated

“I make it an absolute priority to ensure that the fund is used to support communities and services most in need. The issue of poverty, and child poverty in particular, informs almost every aspect of my work which is why I’m pleased today to be able to provide funding for this important initiative to tackle child poverty.

My Department also has strategic responsibility for Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) who collaborate with the Children and Young People’s Service Committees (CYPSCs) in many respects to support the planning of services in a local area. Today’s announcement, is a clear example of this strong partnership with the overall objective of improving access to services that support disadvantaged families and children in their local areas.

This funding will help achieve that.”

Note for Editors:

Under this scheme, Children and Young People’s Service Committees (CYPSC) and their Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) were invited to submit a joint application for up to €100,000 in funding to design and implement a pilot plan that will respond to their local realities and contexts while utilising existing co-ordination structures.

Funding is awarded to:

1. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown and Wicklow Children and Young People’s Service Committees and Dun Laoghaire Rathdown and Wicklow Local Community and Development Committee – €100,000.

The pilot focuses on early childhood (pregnancy to age 4) and aims to improve service coordination and family support, addressing systemic and intergenerational factors contributing to child poverty.

2. Kildare Children and Young People’s Service Committees and Kildare Local Community and Development Committee – €100,000.

The pilot aims to improve access to services for disadvantaged families with neurodivergent children by piloting Community-Based Occupational Therapy in Family Resource Centres; Flexible Referral Criteria; providing simultaneous support for professionals, parents, and children to build understanding and skills across all parties involved; piloting Plural Practice Model using recreational activities tailored to each child’s needs to improve social communication and emotional regulation.

3. Monaghan Children and Young People’s Service Committees and Monaghan Local Community and Development Committee -€93,000.

The pilot aims to address issues such as intergenerational patterns, difficult household conditions, migrant status, and the “working poor” experiencing mortgage arrears through the use of a “Family Champion” role to coordinate support providing tailored assistance and advocating for their needs while aiming to improve engagement with existing services and address the root causes of poverty.

4. Tipperary Children and Young People’s Service Committees and Tipperary Local Community and Development Committee – €85,000.

The pilot aims to enhance living conditions and reduce child poverty by improving energy efficiency and service integration. The pilot will focus on energy auditing and profiling to improve household energy efficiency and security and will assess how these interventions impact poverty indicators.

What Works, funded under Dormant Accounts, is an initiative designed by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. What Works aims to take a coordinated approach to enhance capacity, knowledge and quality, primarily in prevention and early intervention for children, young people and their families. Four key strands have been identified to embed and enhance prevention and early intervention in children and young people’s policy, service provision and practice:

• Data

• Evidence

• Professional development and capacity building

• Quality

What Works funding supports research and pilots with regard to prevention and early intervention. Further information can be found on the What Works website.

National Action Plan and European Child Guarantee

Ireland’s National Action Plan is a first step toward full implementation of the European Child Guarantee. The Child Guarantee is a European Commission initiative, which sets out to ensure that at the very least the most vulnerable children in the EU will have access to healthcare, childcare, education, housing and adequate nutrition. On foot of this, the Irish government prepared a national action plan as a first step to ensuring the child guarantee. The first interim report on Ireland’s progress under the European Child Guarantee was published on 10 June 2024. This can be found here.

New Regulations for Childminding

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Minister O’Gorman publishes new regulations for childminding, paving way for childminders to come into National Childcare Scheme

From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

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• Regulations provide important safeguards for children and quality assurance for parents.

• First official recognition of childminders as part of the early years sector.

• Regulations pave the way for childminders to come into the National Childcare Scheme.

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, today announced the publication of the new Childminding Regulations, which will come into effect on 30 September. This is the first time that childminders will be able to register with Tusla under new regulations that reflect the home and family setting in which childminders work and that take into account the unique features of childminding.

The introduction of the Childminding Regulations follows through on a commitment in the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028.

From 30 September, it will be possible for childminders to start applying to Tusla to go through the registration process. Once registered by Tusla, childminders can then also apply to take part in the National Childcare Scheme.

An extensive consultation process on the Draft Regulations took place in the first half of the year with childminders, parents and other stakeholders. As a result of the consultation process, a number of significant changes have been made in the regulations that are now being published.

The Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) (Childminding Services) Regulations 2024 are due to be commenced on 30 September. Relevant sections of the Child Care (Amendment) Act 2024 will be commenced on the same day and, in line with the Act, there will be a transition period of three years following the commencement of the Regulations. During this 3-year transition period, childminders will be able to register with Tusla, but they will not be required to do so.

Minister O’Gorman said

“I am delighted to announce the publication of Childminding-specific Regulations. Childminders play a hugely important role in caring for children in every community in this country, both rural and urban. This is a historic day for childminders and for the many families who use childminders every day.

Since coming into office, I have been committed to the extension of regulation and supports to all paid, non-relative childminders, which in turn will open up the National Childcare Scheme to parents who use childminders. A priority for me has been to ensure that these new regulations are proportionate and appropriate to the home and family setting in which childminders work, whilst ensuring the necessary safeguards for the protection of children.”

Kate Duggan CEO Tusla said

“Tusla welcomes the new childminding-specific regulations. Childminders across Ireland play an important role in supporting children and families. The regulations have been developed in close cooperation with childminders, ensuring they are mindful of the home setting. We will provide a supportive compliance approach by working with childminders to help them achieve registration.”

Tusla’s Early Years Inspectorate are responsible for implementing the regulations and will commence registration for child minders on 30 September. The regulations will support child safeguarding and quality assurance in the care of children, and recognise the essential services provided to parents by childminders.”

For further information about the regulations see www.gov.ie/childminding and www.tusla.ie/early-years-inspectorate/childminding-services. Childminders can also get more information from the Childminding Development Officer in their local City / County Childcare Committee (contact details at www.myccc.ie. )

In addition to the Childminding Regulations, Minister O’Gorman announced the publication of the independent report on the public consultation on the Draft Regulations. This report is accompanied by the Department’s response document that sets out in detail the ways in which the regulations were amended in response to the public consultation.

A Regulatory Impact Analysis is also published.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. Regulations

The Childminding Services Regulations can be viewed here: www.gov.ie/childminding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), which will be updated on an ongoing basis, are available here.

2. Childcare subsidies for parents:

The main route through which parents are subsidised for their early learning and childcare costs is the National Childcare Scheme. The Childcare Support Act 2018, which provides a statutory basis for the National Childcare Scheme, specifies that only Tusla-registered providers are eligible to participate in the Scheme. The limitation of public funding schemes to Tusla-registered childcare providers helps to ensure that public funding is provided where there is assurance of the quality of provision. Therefore, only childminders who are registered with Tusla will be able to offer the National Childcare Scheme to the families that avail of their services.

3. Changes in response to the public consultation:

Public consultation on the Draft Regulations took place over a 12-week period from February to May 2024. Research Matters, an independent team of researchers, were commissioned to analyse the findings of the consultation on the draft regulations. Their analysis is presented in the consultation report available here. In addition, further consultation with childminders and Childminding Ireland took place through to July 2024.

There were over 1,000 inputs into the consultation process. The online survey had 664 responses, including 243 childminders and 327 parents. In addition, 52 focus groups were held to allow more in-depth discussion, with at least one in every county, and 216 childminders took part in the focus groups. There were 90 written submissions, with 79 from childminders. And there were 35 participants from 28 organisations in a national stakeholder organisation event.

While the consultation showed continuing support for the principle of regulation of childminding, and support for many specific aspects of the proposed regulations, a range of suggestions were made for amendments to the draft regulations.

In response to the consultation findings, a number of significant changes have been made to the draft regulations. The revisions focus strongly on reflecting the home and family setting in which childminding takes place, while ensuring the appropriate safeguards for children and offering assurance to parents of the safety and quality of the childminding setting.

Changes made to the regulations in response to the public consultation are set out in the Department’s response document here , along with explanations of proposals made in the consultation process that did not result in changes or that are being addressed in ways other than through Regulations.

Opportunities for Youth

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Minister O’Gorman launches Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024-2028

From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

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  • Opportunities for Youth is a new national strategy on youth work and related services which provides a clear vision, strategic objectives, and priority actions to guide a collective approach to developing youth work services over the coming years.
  • Opportunities for Youth is guided by an overarching vision that “all young people in Ireland are able to reach their full potential and positively shape their own future”.

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, will today launch a new national strategy, Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024-2028 , which sets out Ireland’s key policy ambitions for youth work and related services.

Opportunities for Youth encompasses a broad range of services and activities that are provided by youth sector organisations in response to the needs and interests of young people aged 10 to 24 and that support young people’s personal and social development. The Government has invested more than €80 million in this sector in 2024.

Today’s launch delivers on a commitment in Young Ireland: National Policy Framework for Children and Young People 2023-2028 , which recognises the important role of youth work services in improving outcomes for young people and the need for a more strategic direction for the delivery of such services.

The development of Opportunities for Youth was informed by extensive consultation with young people, the public, youth organisations, youth workers and volunteers, as well as State agencies and other Government Departments.

The strategy includes a clear set of strategic objectives and 18 priority actions intended to strengthen the role of youth work and related services in the lives of young people in Ireland, including through enhancing the visibility, accessibility and attractiveness of youth services and supporting better co-ordination with the range of other services and pathways for young people. It also focusses on enhancing service quality, including through a consideration of workforce needs, and strengthening the data and evidence base informing policy, investment and service-delivery.

Minister O’Gorman commented:

“I am delighted to launch a new national strategy with a dedicated focus on youth work and related services and I want to thank everyone, especially the young people, who contributed to its development. I know the important role played by youth services in the lives of many young people across the country, creating spaces for them to belong, to connect and to thrive. It is important that we build on this and fully leverage this sector to improve the lives and outcomes of young people of all backgrounds.

“The delivery of Opportunities for Youth willrequire collaboration beyond the youth work sector into all areas of life affecting young people. I look forward to working with all of our stakeholders, including colleagues across Government, as we begin implementation. I believe the actions set out in Opportunities for Youthwill make a significant difference to the lives of young people and will bring us another step forward in realising our vision of Ireland as a place where all young people can reach their full potential.”

To read the full strategy and youth-friendly version, click here.

ENDS//

 

Note for Editors:

Opportunities for Youth: National Strategy for Youth Work and Related Services 2024-2028 identities 18 actions to be completed by the end of 2026. This will be followed by a review to identify further actions to be delivered until the end of the Strategy’s lifetime in 2028.

 

Number of Early Learning & Care service openings at five year high, closures at lowest level for five years – new data confirms

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Link to Press Release

From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Closures of Early Learning & Care services (ELC) have fallen to a five-year low, new data published today (18 September) by the Government confirms. In addition, the overall number of ELC and standalone School-Age Childcare (SAC) services is now increasing.

 

The latest data on service closures and new service registrations, drawn from the Tusla register at end August 2024 shows:

• a five-year low in the number of net ELC services closures, such as crèches and pre-schools (i.e. 12 net closures January-August 2024 compared to 38 net closures in 2023, 80 net closures in 2022, 62 net closures in 2021 and 77 net closures in 2020 for the same time period)

• a five-year high in the number of ELC service openings (i.e., 64 new services opened in January-August 2024 compared to 48 in 2023, 33 in 2022, 44 in 2021, and 53 in 2020 for the same time period).

• a net increase of 173 standalone SAC services (after-school childcare) year to date (at end August);

• a net increase of 161 in the overall number of ELC and SAC services year to date (at end August).

These services are required by law to register with Tusla. Registered providers are required

to notify Tusla in writing of the closure of a service not later than 28 days after the closure. The register is updated monthly.

In total, at the end of August 2024 there were 5,043 ELC and standalone SAC services registered with Tusla.

Commenting on this latest data, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Roderic O’Gorman said:

“Ensuring access to affordable, high quality places in ELC and SAC is a Government priority. I am

encouraged to see an increase in the overall number of ELC and standalone SAC services nationally, and a continuing fall in the number of net ELC service closures this year so far.

“Core Funding application data shows that between Year 1 (from September 2022-August 2023) and Year 2 (from September 2023-August 2024) of the scheme, annual place hours increased by 7.4% and, I have secured additional investment in Core Funding for year 3 of the scheme, which provides for further increases in capacity, of almost 6%.”

This latest data from the register of services show the annual trend of a decline in net ELC service

closures nationally are continuing. In 2023, there were 115 ELC service closures notified to Tusla and 86 new ELC service registrations (i.e. 29 net closures) compared with 141 ELC service closures notified to Tusla and 83 new ELC service registrations (i.e. 58 net closures) in 2022, 141 ELC service closures and 65 new ELC service registrations in 2021 (i.e. 76 net closures), and 197 ELC service closures and 91 ELC new service registrations in 2020 (106 net closures).

While SAC services registration only commenced in 2020, there has been 846 standalone SAC registrations since then compared to 148 closures of standalone SAC services.

Net closures of services do not necessarily imply a reduction in capacity in the sector, as open services may be expanding capacity at the same time. In its first year of operation, Core Funding provided evidence of increased capacity of 7.4%, with analysis showing the increased capacity was the type of capacity that is in highest demand relative to supply (i.e. more toddler places as well as school-age places). Additional investment in Core Funding for year 3 of the scheme provides for further increases in capacity, of almost 6%. Data from the Early Years Sector Profile Survey shows that, between 2021/22 and 2022/23, the estimated number of enrolments in services rose by 8% from 197,210 to 213,154 and the estimated number of staff in the early learning and childcare workforce rose by 8% from 34,357 to 37,060.

Where services have chosen to close, the reasons given by providers for closures are diverse. While some services have closed for financial reasons, many have closed for other reasons such as retirement of the owner or manager.

 

Note To Editor

“ELC services” are services that provide early learning and care for children of pre-school age. Some ELC services provide both ELC and SAC, either before/after school or during school holidays.

“Standalone SAC” services are services that only provide SAC.

The total number of services registered with Tusla is the number of ELC services plus the number of standalone SAC services.

At the end of August 2024, there were 5,043 ELC and standalone SAC services:

• 4,028 ELC services, of which 1,684 provide both ELC and SAC.

• 1,015 standalone SAC services.

Reasons for closures vary and services can provide a number of reasons for closure. Of the ELC services that closed in 2024 to date, the top five reasons for closure were ‘financial viability’ (35); ‘retirement’ (19); administrative burden (17); ‘school room taken back’ (9) and ‘unable to source staff’ (7). Please note the following caveats for this data:

1. The reasons given for closures are all ‘self-declared’ by the provider and collated from the cessations forms they submitted to Tusla. This information is not formally verified by Tusla.

2. A provider may have listed more than one reason for closure and is not required to give a reason.

  • Source: Tusla register of Early Years Services and Tusla register of School-Aged Services

Thousands of families to benefit from substantial reductions in early learning and childcare costs from 2 September

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From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

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Press Release
  • New subsidy rates under the National Childcare Scheme effective from 2 September.
  • Fee cap for new services in Core Funding Scheme this year, extending to all services from September 2025 will stipulate a maximum fee that participating providers may charge, as part of a move towards a National Fee Structure.
  • Record numbers of children now benefitting from supports under the National Children Scheme.
  • OECD data reveal marked improvements across affordability indicators for early learning and childcare.

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman today welcomed the introduction of new subsidy rates under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS), which is set to substantially reduce out-of-pocket costs for early learning and childcare for tens of thousands of families across the country.

From 2 September, the minimum hourly subsidy under the NCS for children under 15 will increase by 53% – from €1.40 to €2.14.

For families using Tusla-registered early learning and childcare, the subsidy increase represents total cost reductions of up to €96.30 weekly per child, or over €5,000 annually.

From 2 September, the hourly subsidy under NCS sponsor referral programme, which makes special provision for vulnerable children, will also increase.

These latest changes to the NCS build on significant enhancements to the Scheme introduced by Minister O’Gorman in 2022 and 2023:

  • The practice of deducting hours spent in pre-school or school from NCS awards was discontinued in April 2022.
  • The universal subsidy under the NCS was extended to all children under 15 in August 2022 (from all children under three).
  • The universal hourly subsidy under the NCS was increased to €1.40 in January 2023 (from €0.50 per hour).

Latest OECD data reveal marked improvements in affordability indicators for early learning and childcare as a result of these changes. Specifically

  • In 2022, couples on the average wage spent 27% of their household income on full time early learning and childcare and single parents on the average wage spent 17% of their household income on full time early learning and childcare. In 2023 this figure fell to 17% and 7% respectively.
  • In 2022, couples on the minimum wage spent 24% of their household income on full time early learning and childcare and single parents on the minimum wage spent 4% of their household income on full time early learning and childcare. In 2023 this figure fell to 12% and 0% respectively.

Record numbers of children are now accessing supports under the NCS. A total of 175,389 children have benefitted from an NCS subsidy so far this year. The number of children benefitting from subsidies has increased by over 97,000 when compared to the same period in 2022. Since its introduction, more than 232,700 children have availed of supports under the NCS.

Additionally, Minister O’Gorman announced that, starting in September this year for new services joining Core Funding, and expanding to all services in September 2025, a fee cap will be introduced which will, for the first time, set a maximum fee level which participating services may charge to parents. Participating services with very high fees will be required to bring those fees down. This will be implemented as part of the development of a new National Fee Structure intended to remove large disparities in fee levels across the country, giving greater certainty to parents.

Welcoming today’s changes to the National Childcare Scheme, Minister O’Gorman said:

“I am delighted to announce the introduction of these new subsidy rates under the National Childcare Scheme which are building on the increase I introduced to the minimum hourly subsidy rate in January 2023 and the extension of the scheme to children aged up to 15 in September 2022.

“These new subsidy rates will assist many thousands of families across the country to avail of quality early learning and childcare at more affordable levels.

“I encourage all eligible families to avail of these supports on offer, by visiting [external-link https://www.ncs.gov.ie/en/ | www.NCS.gov.ie ] calling the Parent Support Centre on 01 906 8530 or talking to their early learning and childcare provider.”

ENDS

Note for Editors

National Childcare Scheme

The National Childcare Scheme provides financial support to help families with their early learning and childcare costs. The scheme, which was introduced in November 2019, has been designed on the principle of progressive universalism ensuring that families on the lowest incomes receive the greatest level of support.

There are two types of subsidies available to families:

  • Universal subsidies are available to all families with children between 24 weeks and 15 years of age. This subsidy is not means tested.
  • Income Assessed Subsidies are available to families with children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years. This subsidy is means tested and will be calculated based on the applicant’s individual circumstances. The rate will vary depending on the level of family income, the child’s age and educational stage, and the number of children in a family. To benefit from an Income Assessed subsidy, the applicant’s reckonable family income has to be less than €60,000.

In addition, a sponsorship referral programme is available under the NCS which makes special provision for vulnerable children. The NCS sponsor referral programme allows designated bodies to refer children to the Scheme where early learning and childcare is needed on child welfare, protection, family support or other specified grounds. Where a referral is made by a Sponsor body, the family will automatically qualify for a subsidy without having to satisfy the Scheme’s eligibility, income or other requirements. The sponsored family is not required to make any contribution to the cost of the place.

In addition, in line with the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021 – 2028, there is a commitment to opening the NCS to childminders in Autumn.

Learner Fund Graduate/Childminder Bursary 2024

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Carlow CCC are pleased to announce the launch of the 2024 Learner Fund Graduate/Childminder 2024 Learner Fund Bursary as directed by DCEDIY.

 

Please find attached the Learner Fund Graduate/Childminder Bursary Rules and Application Form. We would ask that you share this information with your staff team.

 

If you have previously received public funding in support of completion of this award e.g. Skillnet you are not eligible to apply.

 

The table below outlines some important dates:

 

12th August Call for applications open by CCCs
27th September All forms must be fully completed and returned (incl. photographic evidence) by email to niamh@carlowccc.ie  no later than 5PM on Friday 27th September 2024.
Week of 11th November CCCs pay approved applicants

Graduate Information

2024 Learner Fund Graduate Bursary Application Form

2024 Learner Fund Graduate Bursary Rules for Applicants

 

Childminder Information

2024 Learner Fund Childminder Bursary Application Form

2024 Learner Fund Childminder Bursary Rules for Applicants

 

Completed applications can be returned to niamh@carlowccc.ie.

Minister O’Gorman announces funding for Youth Climate Justice Projects in 2024

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From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Published on 

Last updated on 

  • Minister O’Gorman approved funding of €457,861 for 10 new collaborative youth projects
  • The Youth Climate Justice Fund supports youth-led initiatives related to climate justice at community, regional and national level.

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, today announced that a total of €457,861 has been granted to voluntary youth organisations in 2024 to support youth-led projects in the area of climate justice.

The purpose of the Youth Climate Justice Fund is to promote the engagement of young people in activities, initiatives and programmes that develop and support their knowledge, agency and empowerment in relation to climate justice. Today’s announcement brings the total made available under the scheme since 2020 to nearly €2.5millon.

Minister O’Gorman commented,

“I am delighted to be able to approve funding for a wide range of innovative and dynamic youth-led projects that support and promote Climate Justice. I am continuously impressed by the passion and commitment of young people surrounding this issue, and the commitment of those who aid these young individuals to deliver some outstanding projects. It will be exciting to hear about the outcomes of these activities and how young people with the help of some great organisations strive to make our world a better place”.

ENDS//

Notes to editors:

All projects funded under the Youth Climate Justice Fund 2024 are being led by a national youth organisation funded under the Youth Services Grant Scheme of the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.

Grants are being awarded to the following four ‘consortium’ applications:

  • ECO-UNESCO (lead) with Feachtas Óg-Ghluaiseacht Gaeilge, No Name Club, Young Irish Filmmakers and Poppintree Youth Project
  • National Youth Council of Ireland (lead) with YMCA Ireland with Sphere 17 Regional Youth Service, Gaisce – The President’s Award and Concern Worldwide
  • Localise Youth Volunteering (lead) with Education for Sustainability

Grants are also being been made to the following organisations:

• Foróige

• Voluntary Service International

• SpunOut

• Ógras

• Youth Work Ireland

• Youth Theatre Ireland

• Junior Chamber International Ireland

Youth Climate Justice Fund Allocations 2024

Organisation Allocation
Junior Chamber International Ireland – Clare Street, Dublin €10,000
Eco-Unesco – Burg Quay, Dublin 2 €99,960
Foróige – Park West, Dublin €49,916
Localise – Glasnevin, Dublin €85,200
NYCI – Montague Street, Dublin €73,225
Spunout – Fleet Street, Dublin 2 €38,220
Voluntary Service International – Smithfield, Dublin €16,210
Ógras – Harcourt Street, Dublin €25,880
Youth Work Ireland – Rotunda, Dublin € 49,250
Youth Theatre Ireland – Rotunda, Dublin €10,000
Total Funding €457,861

Press Release

Traveller and Roma Education Strategy 2024 – 2030

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Press Release

Ministers Foley, O’Gorman and O’Donovan publish Traveller and Roma Education Strategy 2024 – 2030

From Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Published on 

Last updated on 

Minister for Education Norma Foley, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O’Gorman and Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Patrick O’Donovan today announced the publication of the Traveller and Roma Education Strategy (TRES).

 

The Strategy is a key action under the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy 2024-2030 (NTRIS II) and is also a committment in the Programme for Government.

It has been specifically developed to meet the needs of children, young people and adults from the Traveller and Roma communities with the aim of enhancing their education and outcomes.

 

Under the first two-year implementation plan for the strategy, two national Traveller and Roma Education Strategy co-ordinators will be appointed to support the implementation of actions within the Strategy, with an additional full-time national Supporting Traveller and Roma (STAR) co-ordinator role to support Traveller and Roma education. Family Link Workers will also be appointed to support the full roll out of the Tusla Traveller Parenting Support Programme.

 

Other key actions outlined in the plan include to:

• Increase the numbers of young people remaining in school to 6th year and achieving a Leaving Certificate

• Promote training on inclusion and diversity through teacher professional learning, develop more targeted cultural competence training

• Promote diversity in the education sector workforce

• Teach Traveller culture and history through the curriculum

• Introduce an information series on key education matters and policies as they relate to Traveller and Roma children and young people, which is accessible and available in a number of languages

• Through the Equal Start early learning and childcare model:

o Ensure all Traveller and Roma children participate in the ECCE programme

o Welcome and include Traveller and Roma families in early learning and childcare

o Ensure all early years educators and school age practitioners have training and resources in diversity and inclusion

o Offer additional supports to targeted services

• Ensure that students accessing tertiary education have a positive and welcoming experience

• Provide flexible and responsive learning opportunities

• Create safe and inclusive higher education campuses

• Through research, identify barriers to accessing tertiary education

 

Minister Foley said:

“It is positive to see the numbers of Traveller and Roma young people completing the Senior Cycle and Leaving Certificate have been increasing in recent years.

“However, it is important to also acknowledge that educational outcomes for Traveller and Roma children and young people in our schools are lower than for the general cohort of students.

“This government is committed to strengthening awareness and promotion of inclusion and tackling racism across the education system. It is important that we have an education system which meaningfully engages learners of all ages in a positive learning environment. I believe the implementation of the actions in TRES will greatly enhance the work that we already do to ensure that all children and young people who attend our schools are respected, valued and are supported to reach their full potential and complete their school education to Leaving Certificate.

“I want to acknowledge the hard work and collaboration that took place across the various departments, the Traveller and Roma organisations and with the education partners and our colleagues across all school communities to complete this strategy to ensure that it was an informed and inclusive process. In addition, I would like to say a special thank you to the children and young people who participated in our consultations.”

Minister O’Gorman said:

“In the coming weeks, the Government will publish the new National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy. The Traveller and Roma Education Strategy (TRES) will be an important driver in that strategy’s key theme of education. Improving participation and progression, respecting cultural diversity, and bringing educational improving outcomes for Traveller and Roma children are the cornerstones on which this strategy will be measured. I am pleased to jointly launch and begin the work of the Traveller and Roma Education Strategy today.”

 

Minister O’Donovan said:

“I’m delighted to see the publication of the National Traveller and Roma Education Strategy. The government plays a crucial role in building a fair, equal, and inclusive society. This strategy ensures that everyone, regardless of background or education, can access higher education without barriers. It acknowledges that each person’s educational journey is unique and requires tailored support for success. Thanks to all stakeholders for their significant contributions to creating actionable steps that will bring real change to the education of the Traveller and Roma communities. The strategy’s goals are ambitious, but aiming high is essential for creating a more inclusive Ireland.”

An extensive consultation process was undertaken to help develop the strategy, involving collaboration across the three government departments and with representatives from the Traveller and Roma communities and organisations to capture the views and experiences of Traveller and Roma children themselves, Traveller and Roma families and communities and the education sector.

ENDS