Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed the introduction of new maximum fee caps for childcare providers participating in Core Funding.
The new fee caps will reduce the maximum charges that participating early learning and childcare providers can apply. Providers receiving Core Funding are supported with staffing and operating costs in return for maintaining a fee freeze and adhering to the maximum fee limits for parents.
Under the new caps, the highest possible upfront cost for a full day place of between 40-50 hours per week will drop from around €198 per week to €183 per week.
The move will come into effect in September and will be accompanied by record State funding of €480 million this year for over 4,600 providers in the state’s Core Funding scheme.
Deputy McGreehan said the announcement represents another significant step towards making childcare more affordable and accessible for parents across Louth.
“Families are facing ongoing cost-of-living pressures and childcare costs remain one of the biggest expenses for many working parents.
“These new fee caps will provide greater affordability for families while ensuring childcare providers continue to receive the support they need to deliver high-quality services,”
The record investment demonstrates the Government’s commitment to transforming the early learning and childcare sector.
“State investment in childcare has more than doubled in recent years, rising from €730 million in 2022 to over €1.5 billion this year. Today’s announcement builds on that progress and shows a clear commitment to supporting both families and childcare providers.
“The increase of more than €90 million in Core Funding will help services meet their operating costs, support improvements in pay for early years educators and school-age childcare practitioners, and ensure providers can continue to offer affordable places without compromising quality,” she said.
Concluding, Deputy McGreehan said:
“Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is essential for children, parents and communities. I welcome this latest investment and the positive impact it will have for families throughout Louth,” she said.
