Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 October 2023
470. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to confirm the number of childcare places currently available in the constituency of Dublin central. [45161/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach year, Pobal compiles data from early learning and childcare and school age childcare providers which informs the Early Years Sector Profile Survey. Based on data captured in respect of the (unpublished) 2022/23 Sector Profile Survey (gathered in Spring 2023), the number of available places in Dublin Central was 1,913. However, Pobal advise that this data is not captured on a constituency/electoral division basis. Pobal also advise that the above figure is based on a response rate of 87% of providers.
The availability of high quality early learning and childcare is a key Government priority. My Department monitors early learning and childcare capacity on an ongoing basis, with a particular focus on responding to the unmet early learning and childcare needs of families.
A funding scheme was introduced last year - Core Funding – which allocates funding for providers based on the cost of delivery. Under Core Funding, providers delivering early learning and childcare for babies and toddlers attract higher levels of funding, given the higher staffing requirements determined by the regulatory ratios for these children. Though only in operation since September 2022, initial analysis shows that this new funding scheme has given rise to a significant growth in capacity – with capacity growth for cohorts (such as babies and toddlers) and in areas (such as Dublin) where there has been significant pressure on places. Additional funding secured in Budget 2023 for year two of Core Funding has provided further opportunity to invest in 3% capacity growth.
In addition, and as part of the design of the Building Blocks Capacity Grant Scheme, officials in my Department will look at undersupply by region and age category, which will ensure that funding for additional capacity is targeted towards areas of identified needed. I hope to provide more details of this grant scheme in the coming months.
