Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)
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2275. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if a case will be examined (details supplied) where a childcare provider who withdrew from core funding last year and increased its fees by 22% has notified parents of another 3% fee increase; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41073/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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While my Department cannot mandate providers to participate in schemes, every effort has been made to carefully design Core Funding to meet the policy objectives including to achieve high levels of participation by providers.

Participation in Core Funding is optional, but it remains open to all registered providers subject to their agreement to the terms and conditions of the funding. It is a matter for providers to decide whether they wish to sign up to Core Funding, the significant financial supports it offers to providers and the certainty it gives to parents through the associated fee management measures. Where providers choose to not participate/sign up for year 4 of Core Funding, they, as private businesses, are free to set their own fees and/or increase fees if they wish to do so.

Additionally, my Department funds 30 City/County Childcare Committees, which provide support and assist families and early learning and childcare providers. The network of 30 City/County Childcare Committees across the country can assist in identifying vacant places in services for children and families who need them and engage proactively with services to explore possibilities for expansion among services, particularly where there is unmet need.

Parents experiencing difficulty in relation to their early learning and childcare needs should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee for assistance. For information, my Department has a list of all Core Funding Partner Services, which is updated regularly on the website, under How to Find a Partner Service (www.gov.ie/en/department-of-children-disability-and-equality/publications/how-to-find-a-partner-service/).

Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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2276. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of legal cases taken against Tusla, in each of the past ten years; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41122/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Thank you Deputy for your question in relation to legal cases against Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.

Please be advised, Tusla is actively compiling the information requested. My Department and I continue to assist Tusla in its work and will forward the information to the Deputy as soon as it has been collected.