Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh (Kildare South, Sinn Fein)
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323. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of children in Kildare on a waiting list for childcare; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56132/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Each year, Pobal compiles data from Early Learning and Care (ELC) and School Age Childcare (SAC) providers as part of the Early Years Sector Profile. At the time of the most recent Profile survey for 2023/24, there were 184 service providers that had a contract for at least one DCEDIY (now DCDE) funded programme/scheme.

The published capacity data from the 2023/24 survey estimated that there were 11,634 children enrolled in ELC and SAC services in County Kildare. This data also indicated that 42% had at least one vacant place and an estimated 48% had a waiting list.

It is important to note that waiting list data should not be used as a measure of overall demand for ELC and SAC places. While waiting list data can be used to give an indication of demand for places for a given age group or service type not all services operate a waiting list; an individual child may be on multiple waiting lists in different services.

Further information can be found on the Early Learning and Childcare data website. The Capacity Section of the website provides information on the number of children enrolled, services with vacant places, and services with a waiting list.