Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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276. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she has received funding in Budget 2026 for a parent and toddler grant initiative in 2026 through the county and city childcare committees; if she can give an indication of when in 2026 the call for this grant might be made; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [55902/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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My Department provides funding annually for parent and toddler groups nationwide.

Parent and toddler groups are organised by volunteers on a not-for-profit basis and involve the participation of parents/guardians in the community.

I have secured €350,000 in funding for parent and toddler groups in 2026 to support the work of these groups who provide a valuable opportunity for parents/carers with younger children to meet in the community.

While an exact date for the opening of applications in 2026 has not been finalised, the Department intends to open grant applications in January 2026.

The funding will be allocated to parent and toddler groups nationwide through local City/County Childcare Committees.