Norma Foley Announces New Maximum Fee Caps for Childcare, €480M Funding

Minister for Children Norma Foley has announced new maximum fee caps for early learning and childcare services participating in the State's core funding scheme. This will lower the highest upfront cost for a typical full-day place (45 hours/week) from approximately €198 to €183.70 per week, effective September.

The measure aims to standardize fees across the sector and is accompanied by a record €480 million in State funding this year for over 4,600 providers. This funding is €90 million more than last year and includes €45 million ringfenced for staff pay increases. Approximately 12% of services will need to reduce at least one fee, while most parents already pay below the new maximum and benefit from the 2022 fee freeze.

Foley stated these changes are strictly for parents paying the highest fees, while also supporting providers maintaining fee freezes. The number of children utilizing early years services is increasing, with 277,000 children now availing of them. Additionally, eight providers will benefit from State-led provisions to acquire or build facilities, with more planned for future years.