Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 July 2022
250. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the provision and affordability measures that are in place to assist the purchase of creches and childcare facilities, which were deemed necessary in developments given the number of units and demand in a particular area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36894/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe availability of high-quality early learning and childcare is a key Government priority.
Since 2015, significant increases in State investment in early learning and childcare has given rise to a substantial growth in the numbers of children participating in these services. Every year, more than 100,000 children participate on the universal pre-school programme (ECCE) and the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) subsidises up to 80,000 children.
Before the onset of Covid-19, national data indicated that, on the whole, supply of early learning and childcare places was meeting demand, with evidence of undersupply for certain age groups including children under 3, and in certain areas.
Data gathered throughout the Covid-19 pandemic revealed lower demand for early learning and childcare, and reduced occupancy among early learning and childcare services. Indeed, data captured in June 2021 found significant vacancy rates across the country – with the national vacancy rate averaging at 21%.
In April of this year, City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) undertook a nationwide survey of capacity in early learning and childcare services. This survey was followed in May by the Annual Early Years Sector Profile Survey that is undertaken by Pobal.
Preliminary analysis of the latest data captured by CCC and Pobal reveal a drop in vacancy rates across the country – with the national vacancy rate now averaging at 13%.
The network of CCC are in a position to match children and families to services operating with vacant places.
To address issues of under supply in the immediate term, CCC are proactively engaging with early learning and childcare services to explore the potential for services in increase capacity where there is evidence of undersupply.
A range of other steps are also being taken. The new Core Funding Scheme, to roll out in September, will provide funding for services aligned to costs of delivery. I am hopefully this new approach to funding will encourage services to expand, where demand exists.
Some €70m has been allocated to my Department through the revised National Development Plan (NDP) – with the majority of this funding earmarked for new places. Further details on the first pillar of NDP funding will be published shortly.
My Department, in partnership with the Department of Housing Planning and Local Government, is also in the process of updating the 2001 Planning Guidelines for Local Authorities on Early Learning and Childcare Settings.
Parents experiencing difficulty in relation to their early learning and childcare needs should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) for assistance. Contact details for CCC may be found on www.myccc.ie.
