Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 May 2022
493. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the new funding model for early year services will build in recognition of those offering childcare in disadvantaged settings; if it will include a DEIS-style mechanism for childcare settings where there are added needs and in which additional resources may be required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27353/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraPartnership for the Public Good, A New Funding Model for Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School-Age Childcare (SAC) - the report of an independently chaired Expert Group - was adopted in full by Government last December.
Amongst other things, this sets out a new approach to State funding of the ELC and SAC sector that includes universal and targeted Tackling Disadvantage funding and support, building on Core Funding.
A number of research inputs contributed to this work including a paper on “Approaches to Identifying Children or Settings in Need of Additional Support” and another on “Funding Models Addressing Early Childhood Disadvantage”. There was also extensive and detailed stakeholder consultation on the issue of addressing disadvantage. The Expert Group was also briefed on the Department of Education’s DEIS model.
Informed by recommendations in Partnership for the Public Good, services will be provided with a proportionate mix of universal and targeted supports to support children and families accessing their services who are experiencing disadvantage.
As recommended by the Expert Group, once core funding is embedded and changes to existing programmes take effect arising from Budget 22 (ECCE and NCS), my Department will progress the development of the Tackling Disadvantage funding and support.
