Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley together with Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Jerry Buttimer are delighted to announce the launch of the My Little Library Initiative 2026. Each year in Ireland, children leaving pre-school and starting primary school […]

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley – TD has welcomed the publication of Guidelines for Consulting with Parents following a launch event which is taking place this afternoon. The guidelines lay out practical and easy to follow steps that can be used by any organisation engaging with parents […]

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley has announced the opening of a €10 million capital funding scheme to deliver a significant number of additional early learning and childcare places. The Building Blocks Extension Scheme Phase 2 will provide grants for community and private early learning and childcare services […]

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley is encouraging people to attend the local Consultation on Early Learning and Care and School‑Age Childcare in their area as part of the National Conversation on Education. Read the full Press Release here. Register for the Kerry Event on 20th April 2026 […]

The Nurturing Skills Learner Fund aims to enhance the quality of early learning and care (ELC) services, while supporting the professional development of early years educators, developing career pathways, and supporting recruitment and retention of staff in the sector. The Fund will cover 90% of degree course fees for early […]

The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley today announced the opening of the 2026 Childminding Development Grant. The Childminding Development Grant provides up to €1,000 to assist childminders, who are providing a childminding service in their own homes. The Grant scheme is open to all childminders, including registered […]

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, today launched an online survey for parents, early years educators, providers and other stakeholders as part of The National Conversation on Education. The 12-question survey will explore the key priorities for early learning and care, school-age childcare and childminding, what should change […]

Tusla have updated the QRF to reflect recent developments in policy and practice. A summary of the latest changes can be found on page 4 of the document. Link below. Quality and Regulatory Framework for Full Time and Part Time Pre School Services

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley today welcomed the significant increase in the number of children benefitting from the National Childcare Scheme. The scheme provides subsidies that substantially reduce the cost of early learning and childcare for tens of thousands of families across the country. Full press release […]

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley has announced that €135 million will be made available for State-led services providing high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare. The process will begin in 2026 with the acquisition of buildings in what will be a ground-breaking initiative for the Department of Children, […]