Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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727. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will consider greater flexibility for Building Blocks, the only financial support available for childcare facilities, where there is an opportunity for a community to buy an existing premises (not new), therefore bringing life back to a closed building, usually in the heart of a town which is an ideal location for a childcare facility, and ensuring a quicker turnaround for the establishment of a much-needed childcare facility, especially where there is severe need (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34189/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Capital funding that has been allocated to the early learning and childcare sector under the National Development Plan (NDP) has enabled significant investment in early learning and childcare.

In 2025, €25m in voted expenditure was made available for the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme. This will allow existing Core Funding Partner Services extend their existing premises or construct or purchase new premises.

The approach to capital investment in future years is being considered within the context of the Programme for Government commitments and the revision to the National Development Plan which is ongoing.

Consideration in this regard is being given to the possibility for future capital programmes, including potentially operating a further scheme to support the expansion of provision by existing operators. My Department are considering all aspects of a future scheme, including prioritising investment in areas with the greatest need for provision.

Discussions on updates to the National Development Plan between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform are ongoing. My officials continue to regularly engage with colleagues across Government on the review, the outcome of which will determine the timing and scale of future capital investment initiatives.