Childcare subsidy rise a 'milestone' for sector An increase in childcare subsidies under the National Childcare Scheme, which came into effect yesterday, marks a "milestone" in public investment in early years care … Ireland • 03 Jan
500 childcare providers closed in protest over funding The closure of hundreds of Early Childcare Providers is "unwarranted", Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth Roderic O'Gorman has said. Ireland • 11 Nov 22
Pay increases for childcare sector approved The Government has approved a new pay agreement which will provide pay increases and wage structure for early learning and childcare workers. Ireland • 07 Sep 22
Minister wants to halve childcare fees over two years The Minister for Children has said the average cost of childcare fees should be reduced by 50% over the next two Budgets. Politics • 25 Aug 22
SIPTU warns over staffing crisis in childcare Childcare services may be restricted or face potential closure due to an inability to recruit and retain staff according to a new study. Ireland • 22 Aug 22
Warning of childcare sector closures over funding delay One of Ireland's leading childcare providers has warned of further closures and staff reductions in the sector due to a delay in a funding scheme … Ireland • 19 Aug 22
How childcare costs stack up across Ireland, and Europe Childcare is often referred to as a second mortgage for families; Adam Maguire takes a look at how the cost stacks up across the country … Business • 10 Jul 22
82% of homes less than 10km away from remote work hub New figures from the Central Statistics Office show that, on average, households are situated 5.6km from a remote work hub and 1.6km from a childcare … Business • 25 May 22
Survey shows low pay driving workers out of childcare A survey of the childcare industry has found that 41% of early years professionals are actively seeking a job in another sector. Ireland • 09 Feb 22
Childcare providers call for continuation of supports Childhood Services Ireland, the Ibec trade association representing childcare providers, has called on the Government to maintain the EWSS support at its current level. Business • 23 Nov 21
Planned budget of €716m for childcare sector next year The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform said Budget 2022 marks a turning point in the State's approach to the early years and childcare sector. Budget 2022 • 12 Oct 21
Tánaiste hints at childcare boost in Budget Childcare is to get a boost in next week's Budget, the Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has indicated, saying the costs are like a "second mortgage" for … Business • 08 Oct 21
Possible changes to National Childcare Scheme next year The Minister for Children has said that he hopes to introduce changes to the National Childcare Scheme next year. Ireland • 05 Oct 21
Parents outline increasing difficulty finding childcare Tens of thousands of parents in Ireland search for childcare every year, but many say it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure places and afford … Ireland • 17 Sep 21
Childcare facilities face closure over lack of staff A third of childcare managers say their facility could face closure in the coming months due to an inability to recruit qualified workers, a new … Ireland • 09 Sep 21
More women than men seek flexible working hours More women than men have asked for flexible hours to look after their children during the pandemic, according to a survey by employers group Ibec. Business • 19 Apr 21
Return of overpayments to childcare providers sought The Department of Children and Youth Affairs has sought immediate recoupment of overpayments from early years' providers, according to the small firms group ISME. Coronavirus • 11 Nov 20
Open For Business - the Irish childcare sector In the final episode of the series, Ella and Richard take a look at the Childcare sector in Ireland and also hear from brand new … Open for Business • 26 Aug 20
Childcare providers seek Govt support to stay open Concerns have been raised by childcare providers as the majority of businesses say that they will not be able to remain open without Government support. Childcare • 15 Jul 20
Two-thirds of créches apply for support for reopening Two-thirds of créches or childcare providers have so far applied for State support to reopen their doors. Coronavirus • 09 Jul 20
Crèche owners warn Covid committee of reduced capacity Crèche operators have warned that they may have to reduce capacity in some facilities because new staff will not be covered by the State's Temporary … Coronavirus • 23 Jun 20
Childcare fees to be capped under govt programme Childcare and crèche fees will be capped to ensure the same level of care regardless of parental income under a new approach contained in the … Politics • 15 Jun 20
Childcare providers asked not to hike fees on reopening Minister for Children Katherine Zappone has said childcare providers availing of a new €75m funding package for the sector must enter into a contract to … Coronavirus • 10 Jun 20
Childcare availability to be expanded from 29 June Childcare facilities will be open to all parents who need childcare in order to return to work from 29 June, subject to capacity. Coronavirus • 29 May 20
Soothers and blankets face ban in reopened creches Childcare centres could be forced to reduce the number of items brought in by children to prevent Covid-19 infection when they reopen. Coronavirus • 15 May 20
