10. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality for an update on the actions being taken by her Department to support ECCE-only services that are receiving commercial rates bills; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [47448/26]

Sentiment score: 0.14

The early childhood care and education scheme, ECCE, is transformative for children, particularly those from low-income families and disadvantaged backgrounds. The State now offers two free years of pre-school, 15 hours per week and three hours per day. Ninety-six percent of children take it up. The Government has said it wants to get that to 100%. Why are we allowing the imposition of commercial rates on ECCE services and on ECCE-only services, which could potentially close them down?

Sentiment score: 0.13

When Tailte Éireann was before the housing committee a couple of weeks ago, I raised this matter with the representatives. They said they had taken legal advice via the Chief State Solicitor's Office and the Office of the Attorney General and it was unequivocal that ECCE services are rateable and are inherently operating for profit. This means that all ECCE services, including 100% Government-funded stand-alone ECCE services that receive no parental fees, are fair game for commercial rates, which in turn means that commercial rates for ECCE services are coming to every county in Ireland. Three-hour preschool services that do not charge parents any fees are going to be liable for commercial rates. I do not believe they should be treated like commercial businesses. I fear this is going to close down services. It is going to reduce childcare places. ECCE-only services, I believe, are already in decline. Some of these services have reached out to me saying they are potentially closing in June and will not reopen in September.

Sentiment score: 0.06

I thank the Minister. I know she is not responsible for this and it is something that has really come to light. The legal implications of the valuation tribunal and a case in the High Court have had an impact since 2024 but there is an urgency about this. Legislation seems to be required. I have worked on legislation. Will the Minister consider working with me on that to deal with this in an urgent way? Part of that legislation also includes sessional services that offer 30 minutes of care to support parents with flexibility but they are being penalised for it. As part of that legislation, I have included that if they operate those 30 minutes at ECCE rates of €4.60 per hour, they too should be exempt. This is affecting services in four counties but it is coming to more counties. I have seen bills ranging from €1,000 to €10,000 for ECCE-only services. These services are 100% Government-funded. Why would the Government give them funding to operate and be viable and then, through another arm of the State, charge them commercial rates?

Sentiment score: 0.09

Okay.

Sentiment score: 0.23