Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein)
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1623. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the number of new childcare places that have been opened in County Meath for the years 2024 and 2025, respectively. [60108/25]

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.

The most recent published capacity data for the 2023/24 programme year estimated that there were 9,361 children enrolled in ELC and SAC services in County Meath, which indicated an increase of 6.6% from 8,780 in 2022/23.

Further information can be found on Pobal's 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.

In line with the requirements of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016, the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Year Services) (Registration of School Age Services) Regulations 2018, and the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) (Childminding Services) Regulations 2024, those wishing to operate an early years services (whether a preschool, school-age or childminding service) are required to register with the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate.

According to data provided by the Tusla Early Years Inspectorate, in Meath, in 2024, 2 pre-school services and 7 standalone school-age childcare services opened. In 2025, year to date, 2 pre-school services, 9 standalone school-age childcare services and 5 childminding services have opened.