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, […]

Minister Norma Foley has announced the launch of applications for €350,000 in Parent and Toddler Group Grants. “This year the focus for the 2026 Parent and Toddler grants is to support groups in providing assistance to young parents and children in establishing connections and to promote the inclusion of families […]

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley – TD has today published two action plans for the early learning and care and school-age childcare sector. Read the press release: https://www.gov.ie/…/minister-foley-publishes-two-new…/

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley released new figures today revealing that almost 40,000 young children have benefited from the Little Library initiative this year. The My Little Library Initiative invites children leaving pre-school and starting primary school to visit their local library to pick up a free […]

Minister Norma Foley has launched a free eLearning course for people working for or with children to support young people in decision-making. From teachers to healthcare workers, early years to staff to local authorities, this course provides the tools to ensure young voices are truly heard. Children have the right […]

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality has published its new Statement of Strategy which sets out the vision, values and goals for the Department over the next three years. The Strategy outlines the Department’s vision of a fair and inclusive Ireland where people’s rights are realised and where everyone […]

Minister for Children, Disability, and Equality Norma Foley – TD has announced she will make additional funding available to support children with disabilities access State-funded preschool. Additional capitation, provided through the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM), will increase by 10 percent. This will directly benefit early learning and care services […]

Minister of State for Employment, Small Business and Retail Alan Dillion has confirmed he intends to sign a new Employment Order for Early Years Educators and School-Age Practitioners. The Order will revoke the 2024 Order currently in operation for the sector and will commence on 13th October 2025. Download the […]

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley – TD, has announced that a programme which tackles language delay among young children is set to expand this month with the recruitment of up to 50 additional tutors. The Early Talk Boost programme is already helping children in 108 early learning […]