Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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1848.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will commit to providing increased levels of funding to early childcare providers in Budget 2025. [32420/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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Over the past eight budgets, investment in early learning and childcare has risen from €260 million in 2015 to €1.109 billion in 2024. The First 5 investment target of €1 billion was met in 2023, 5 years ahead of time. This unprecedented investment speaks to the commitment of Government in prioritising early learning and childcare services.

The table below outlines the beneficiary funding allocations for the sector for 2024.

Officials in my Department are currently engaging in the Estimates process for Budget 2025, which will, inter alia, determine the funding allocation for 2025.

I am committed to increasing State funding for early learning and childcare as part of a multi-annual budget process and to continuing to work with providers delivering early learning and childcare for the public good.