Niamh Smyth
Question:545. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will review a proposal (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6559/24]
View answerTuesday, 13 February 2024
Questions (545)
Written answers
My officials and I have reviewed a policy proposal from Early Childhood Ireland (ECI) in respect of the establishment of a single agency for early learning and care (ELC) and school age childcare (SAC). As noted by ECI in their proposal, there is a commitment in the Programme for Government to establish a National Early Learning and Childcare Agency, to assist in the expansion of high-quality childcare, spearheading leadership, best practice and innovation, and professional development in community and private settings.
Furthermore, on 29th March 2022 Government accepted the findings of the independent Review of the ELC and SAC Operating Model that a dedicated State agency is the optimal operating model for the sector for the years ahead. It is envisaged that this dedicated agency will undertake the functions currently carried out by Pobal Early Years (including Better Start), the 30 City/County Childcare Committees, as well as operational functions currently undertaken by my Department. That independent review was underpinned by extensive stakeholder engagement in which the views of stakeholders, including ECI, in respect of the existing operating model, were sought.
A dedicated State agency will assist in the development of a more streamlined structure to better support the delivery of ELC and SAC, reduce complexity for parents and providers, and will facilitate my Department in implementing and progressing the significant reform agenda envisaged under First 5, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families.
Significant progress has been made in advancing this ambitious and transformative reform programme. My Department is currently engaging with independent consultants who have been contracted to carry out a phase of research, analysis and stakeholder engagement to inform the design of a dedicated early learning and childcare agency.
As noted by ECI, a Programme Board has been established and comprises both interdepartmental representatives and external experts with experience at senior level in change management and large-scale reform, leadership, governance, public policy and a knowledge of the early learning and childcare sector. The Programme Board is tasked with overseeing the analysis and design phase of the programme, and will ensure that proposals for a new agency are based on offering the best possible service to children and their families, educators, practitioners and providers while providing value for money.
Consultation with ECI and the wider National Voluntary Childcare Organisations, as key sectoral stakeholders, will continue throughout the lifetime of this programme as we work together to devise a new operating model for the benefit of children and their families and for the ELC and SAC sector.
I look forward to bringing a further report to Government following the completion of this phase of what is a significant and transformative reform programme.