Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley is finalising work on phase one of the Early Years Action Plan, which is due for publication next week.
It will contain measures to increase access to places, improve affordability and continue to raise quality standards in the early years sector.
The actions in phase one of the Early Years Action Plan are expected to include increases to the income limits for the National Childcare Scheme, which have been unchanged since 2019.
Families can currently get full subsidies under the National Childcare Scheme if their income is below €26,000. They can get a graduated level of subsidies if their income is between €26,000 and €60,000.
The increased income limits will come into effect in September 2026 to reduce the childcare bills for tens of thousands of working families on lower incomes.
The Early Years Action Plan will contain details of funding to support a new employment regulation order for staff in the sector and it will cut the red tape for providers and parents.
