A new cap on childcare fees has been announced by Children’s Minister Norma Foley.

This cap will apply to parents who are currently paying the highest fees. This will result in parents paying a maximum of €295 per week. However, along with the National Childcare Fee Subsidy, parents will be paying closer to €197 per week. This payment will cover full day care for children of 40-50 hours per week.

This announcement will be welcomed by Donegal families, many of whom are struggling to afford the rising costs of childcare.

As well as this, a further €60 million has been allocated to the sector, bringing the total amount of state funding to €390 million for 2025/26. The freeze on childcare fees that has been in place since 2022 will also remain in place.

This funding arrives as Minister Foley promises to fulfil the government’s promise to see childcare fees at a maximum of €200 per week.

Despite the increase in funding, Minister Foley has admitted that there continues to be many issues that need resolving in order to give parents the “the maximum opportunity available”. Some issues that Minister Foley wishes to resolve include the amount of places in childcare and appropriate pay for childcare workers.