Government announce maximum fee caps of €183 for early learning and childcare
The Government have announced maximum fee caps for early learning and childcare services that are participating in Core Funding.
These new fee caps will lower the maximum fees that early learning and childcare services can charge if they are receiving Core Funding from the state.
With these new fee caps, the highest amount for a typical full day place of 45 hours a week will drop to €183.70 from €198 per week.
These new measures will come into effect from September and add to the Government's commitment to standardising fees across the sector.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley said: “I am introducing new maximum fees to further reduce the cost of early learning and childcare for families, while also increasing Core Funding for providers.
"Affordable early learning and childcare is essential to supporting families and improving outcomes for children.
“The new maximum fees will ensure more parents benefit from lower costs, while the additional funding will support providers in continuing to deliver high-quality services.
“State funding in the early learning and childcare sector has more than doubled in recent years – rising from €730 million in 2022 to €1.524 billion in 2026.
“Today I am announcing that Core Funding for providers will increase from €390 million in the current programme year to €480 million in the next programme year starting in September. This is an increase of over €90 million, or 23 per cent.”
Minister of State for Disability, Emer Higgins, added: “I am conscious of the importance of promoting affordability without compromising the viability of businesses in the sector.
“That is why the increased funding through the Base Rate will ensure that no service gets left behind on account of keeping their rates affordable for families.”
“This is another important step in making early learning and childcare more affordable for families while supporting providers to continue delivering high-quality services, and it will make a real difference for parents and children across the country.”