Budget 2026 means more families than ever can access childcare schemes – Currie

Budget 2026 will ensure greater access to childcare schemes for children and families right across the country, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Emer Currie, Fine Gael Spokesperson on Childcare said this budget will alleviate pressure on childcare in key areas such as supply, staffing, and tackling disadvantage.

“Budget 2026 is supporting families, particularly targeting those who need our help the most. We’re seeing substantial investment in early learning and childcare, with funding of over €1.48bn.

“This budget will continue the implementation of the National Childcare Scheme with more than 286,000 individual children set to benefit from the scheme in 2026, an increase of approximately 35,000 from 2025.

“We all know parents are crying out for more childcare places and Budget 2026 will help do that. An additional €52 million for Core Funding will include capacity growth of 4.2%.

“The Building Blocks infrastructure programme will fund extension of existing community centres and schools to deliver approximately 2,300 additional childcare places.

“We will see an increase in the weekly rates of the Child Support Payment by €8 per week for children under 12 and by €16 per week for children 12 and over, which will come as a huge relief to so many families.

“This budget also raises the thresholds for those receiving income assessed subsidies to make childcare even more affordable (or free) for those on the lowest incomes.

“Increased funding towards both the ‘AIM’ Access and Inclusion model and ‘Equal Start’ also means more equitable access to early learning and care for children with disabilities or experiencing disadvantage.

“At a time of economic uncertainty, Fine Gael has made a conscious decision to help those most in need, particularly children living in poverty.

“We’ve all seen the importance of the Back-To-School Clothing and Footwear Payment, and this will now be expanded to 2- and 3-year-olds, helping household costs for families.

“Budget 2026 is delivering for families and children. These measures will go a long way to supporting families and children right across the country”, concluded Deputy Currie.