Catherine Murphy
Question:168. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he plans to enhance funding streams to the ECCE sector. [8618/22]
View answerWednesday, 16 February 2022
Questions (168)
Written answers
A review of the ECCE programme which is due to commence shortly. The review will give an opportunity to providers and parents to express their concerns and will also inform the future development of the programme.
The review will also give a range of stakeholders, including providers and parents, offering an opportunity to not only highlight the strengths of the programme as it has evolved in recent years but also identify potential barriers or unintended consequences that may have emerged as the programme has evolved. This review will then be considered by Government and form the basis of any future changes to the scheme.
The Deputy may also be aware of the recommendations of an Expert Group to develop a new funding model for early learning and childcare, which were adopted by Government in December. This marks a new departure in State funding of the sector and is a significant step towards ensuring high-quality, affordable, sustainable and accessible services.
The Expert Group report informed the transformative package of measures for the sector committed in Budget 2022, including the Core Funding stream. Core Funding will operate from September 2022 to support improved quality, affordability, and sustainability.
Core Funding will be worth up to €69 million in 2022, equivalent to €207 million in a full year.