The Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman has announced reforms to the funding model for childcare which he says will see services increasingly publicly funded and publicly managed.
The details of the "Core Funding" for early learning and childcare services come from the report of an expert group "Partnership for the Public Good" which has been approved by a Cabinet meeting of the Government.
As announced in Budget 2022, there will be a total of €207 million made available to implement the recommendations over time; €78m for 2022.
The expert group, which was set up two years ago, says the funding changes will allow for improved services and more affordability for parents.
A second report, "Nurturing Skills", aims to improve pay and conditions for those who work in the childcare sector.
Minister O'Gorman said he hopes the Joint Labour Committee for the Early Years Services will introduce an employment regulation order so that pay for those working in the sector is improved.
This will be done using the new Core Funding model; enabling providers to continue to provide the full benefits of the Early Childhood Care and Education programme and National Childcare Scheme.
Speaking at the launch of the report, the Minister said the announcement marked a "new departure for the approach of the State in the funding of early learning and childcare, and significant step towards ensuring high-quality, affordable and accessible services".
