Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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1553. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the potential operational impact of the work-to-rule action by Pobal early years specialists on the delivery of supports to childcare providers and early-learning settings; the contingency arrangements that are in place to mitigate any disruption to services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59363/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The current work-to-rule action by Pobal (Better Start) Early Years Specialists has the potential to affect quality and inclusion supports being delivered to Early Learning and Care settings and families, along with the processing of applications by service providers for AIM (Access and Inclusion Model) supports. However, Pobal have informed the Department that there are mitigations in place to address any potential impacts. Mitigations include, but are not limited to, business continuity planning and sectoral communications.

While Pobal are solely responsible for any and all personnel matters and all costs arising from the employment of the company’s personnel, this Department requests regular updates on any potential impacts to Better Start service delivery arising from this dispute.

The Department strongly encourages all sides to utilise the industrial relations framework and the Workplace Relations Commission to achieve a resolution in the best interests of children and families.

Grace Boland (Dublin Fingal West, Fine Gael)
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1554. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the amount of Exchequer funding provided to Pobal in 2025 for early years and childcare programmes; if any part of this allocation may be affected by the current industrial dispute; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [59364/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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In 2025, Pobal have been allocated €53.95m by my Department in relation to early learning and childcare programmes under the terms of a service level agreement. This consists of €52.2m in current and €1.75m in capital expenditure.

It is not anticipated that this allocation or any part thereof will be affected by the current industrial dispute referred to by the Deputy.