Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2021
121. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the progress in developing proposals for an agency which would drive the development of early childhood services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47857/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to establishing a dedicated agency, Childcare Ireland, “to assist in expanding high quality early learning and childcare, best practice and innovation, and professional development in community and private settings, along with developing career paths for early learning and childcare staff, and for expansion of the early years curriculum, Síolta”.
As a precursor to establishing Childcare Ireland, my Department is carrying out a comprehensive review of the operating model for early learning and childcare. This is line with a commitment in First 5, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families (2019-2028).
The early learning and childcare sector has grown substantially in the past decade. The objective of this review is to ensure that the operating model is fit for purpose to implement early learning and childcare policy relating to quality, affordability and access, to the scale and standards required in an evolving and expanding sector.
An independent external contractor has been engaged by my Department to undertake an analysis of the current operating model and to consider options for reform. This analysis, which involved significant stakeholder engagement, will conclude shortly.
It is envisaged that the analysis carried out for this review will provide a robust evidence base to inform a decision concerning the establishment of Childcare Ireland and the range of functions it may provide. I look forward to bringing a report to Government on the matter in Q.4 of 2021.
