Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Minister Norma Foley is delighted to announce that additional funding of €100,000 has been secured, on top of last year’s allocation of €250,000, to reflect the growth of Parent and Toddler groups in recent years. The funding can be used for a variety of purposes including children’s toys, equipment and books as well as children’s refreshments and snacks. It can also be used for children’s activities such as arts and crafts and music. Parents can also be supported with parenting courses and courses in first aid for children. Full Press Release Here: https://brnw.ch/21wQYdH

Minister Norma Foley noted the publication today of the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights Recommendations in the ‘Memorandum on the Human Rights of Travellers and Roma in Ireland.’ “The Commissioner for Human Rights has raised important issues, and forwarded important recommendations, in relation to the situation of Travellers and Roma in Ireland. I thank the Commissioner for his constructive report and welcome the opportunity to respond.” https://brnw.ch/21wQVXB

Boyle Family Resource Centre offers a space for parents and families to drop in for a listening ear and receive support about issues and concerns about their children. Meeting on the last Friday of every month from 9.30am to 12.00pm Contact at info@boylefrc.ie #SupportingParentsIre

Are you or is someone you know experiencing domestic violence or abuse? Esker House Domestic Abuse Support Service provides compassionate and comprehensive support for children and families impacted by domestic violence. For more info, go to https://brnw.ch/21wQQVC #SupportingParentsIre

Baby Massage is a proven method to help parents foster their child's early development, attachment, and learning. 5-week course starting Monday 24th February in the Dunfanaghy Family Resource Centre, Donegal. Cost: €10 For more info call 07491 36548 or email dunfresource@gmail.com #SupportingParentsIre

Healthy eating improves your skin, sleep, mental health, digestion. Healthy Food Made Easy is a 6-week group programme that helps you follow a healthy and affordable diet. Read more: https://brnw.ch/21wQGUq #SupportingParentsIre

The National Parents Council (NPC) will be running free online webinars to empower parenting journeys during the week of the 24th of February. This programme is developed to empower and give parents information on how they can support their children’s positive mental health through everyday interactions with their child. Register here: https://brnw.ch/21wQBVA #SupportingParentsIre

A reminder from our colleagues in Revenue that PAYE taxpayers can avail of the myAccount service to file a return, claim any refund due, and declare any additional income earned. For more information, please visit https://brnw.ch/21wQt7Y.

Minister Norma Foley today announced the opening of the 2025 Childminding Development Grant. The grant aims to support childminders to enhance quality and safety in their service through the purchase of toys, childcare equipment, safety equipment, equipment to support inclusion and Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths (STEAM) education, as well as IT equipment to assist childminders to engage with training and registration processes. The total budget of €500,000 reflects the high demand for the grant in previous years. It also reflects the Government’s commitment to support childminders to prepare for registration with Tusla. In line with the National Action Plan for Childminding 2021-2028, regulations written specifically for childminders came into effect for the first time in September 2024, making it possible for all childminders to register with Tusla and take part in the National Childcare Scheme (NCS). Full PR Here:https://brnw.ch/21wQsxB