Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 5 December 2023
476. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth his views on the number of creches which are withdrawing from the core funding programme since September 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53435/23]
View answerInvestment in early learning and childcare is at unprecedented levels with public funding for the first time reaching more than €1 billion in 2023 for early learning and childcare – a clear demonstration from Government of the value of the sector.
Core Funding is in operation since 15 September 2022 and has achieved very significant success in terms of the high levels of participation. With 95% participation in year 1 and to date, 94% or over 4,300 providers have signed up for Core Funding Year 2, with applications still open. There are officially more services contracted for Core Funding year 2 than there were at the peak of Core Funding year 1.
Participation in Core Funding is optional but it remains open to all registered providers subject to their agreement to the terms and conditions of the funding.
The number of partner services which are withdrawing/who have withdrawn from the core funding programme since September 2023 is currently 3* .
Core Funding has increased by 11% to reach €287 million for year 2 of the scheme, providing a sustainable platform for investment with increases for all services.
Budget 2024 allocated an additional €37.4m to Core Funding. This increase on the 2023 allocation will support continued implementation of the scheme for the second programme year (September 2023 to August 2024) and into the third programme year from September 2024.
It is a matter for providers to decide whether they wish to withdraw from the Core Funding scheme, the significant financial supports it provides to providers and the support it provides to parents through the associated fee freeze.
There is extensive engagement with provider representatives and providers of all types, via various specific consultation activities and through various fora, including through the Early Learning and Childcare Stakeholder Forum.
In any instances where a service is experiencing financial difficulty, they can reach out to their local City/County Childcare Committee and avail of Case Management Supports. This can include operational supports as well as financial supports through Sustainability Funding if deemed appropriate.
*Please Note : This number indicates the amount of Services that have withdrawn from the core funding programme since September 2023. My Department only receive the information on services withdrawing once the withdrawal has taken place and not those that might be in the process of withdrawing.
