Consultations on early learning and childcare to take place across Donegal

Three local consultations on early learning and school‑age childcare are taking place in the county as part of the National Conversation on Education.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE), in partnership with Donegal County Childcare Committee, announced details of the upcoming local consultation events. 

A consultation will take place in the Abbey Hotel, Donegal Town, on Wednesday, 22 April from 6-8pm. Then, one will take place In Dillon’s Hotel in Letterkenny on Thursday, 23 April, from 6-8pm and in Inishowen Gateway Hotel in Buncrana, taking place on Wednesday, 29 April from 6-8pm.

Places are limited; those interested in taking part can book a place online. 

“At Donegal County Childcare Committee, we work with parents, early years educators, school-age childcare practitioners, childminders and providers every day,” Donegal CCC Manager, Amanda Boyle said. “We know just how transformative early learning and care, and school‑age childcare can be for children—supporting their learning, development, and overall well-being.

“We also know the vital role these services play in supporting parents to learn, work, and take part fully in our community. That why we really want to encourage everyone to take part.

“By sharing your experiences and insights, you can directly shape Shaping the Future and the successor to the Government’s strategy for babies, young children and their families - First 5. Make sure to book your place today so you can have your say at your local consultation!”

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Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley is encouraging people to attend the local Consultation which seeks views from parents, early years educators, school‑age childcare practitioners, childminders, providers and anyone interested in early learning and childcare.

“More than 11,000 people have had their say online about the future of early years education and now is the time for the local consultation stage of the Action Plan on Early Years Education.

“There will be 51 local consultation events hosted by City and County Childcare Committees in venues all across the country between 20 and 30 April 2026, as part of the National Conversation on Education.

“I am keen to hear the views of parents, early years educators, school-age childcare practitioners, childminders, providers and anyone with an interest in early learning and care or school-age childcare.

“I am committed to making early learning and care and school-age childcare affordable, accessible and high-quality.”

It is the latest step in the National Conversation on Early Years, which is already generating significant debate. New figures show that over 11,000 responses were received during a national online survey on Early Years, which closed on 12 March.

These local consultations offer the public an opportunity to: Share what is working well and what needs to change; Identify priorities for future investment and improvement; Ensure the voices of parents, early years educators, school-age childcare practitioners, childminders, providers and communities shape national policy; and Contribute to an affordable, accessible, high‑quality early learning and care and school-age childcare system.

Participants will join small table groups focusing on three core themes (Accessibility, Affordability, Quality).

The consultation events will be delivered in collaboration with the 30 local City and County Childcare Committees (CCCs). Input gathered at local level will inform both Phase 2 of Shaping the Future—the Government’s Early Years Action Plan—and the successor to First 5, Ireland’s Whole‑of‑Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families. Encouraging participation in the consultation process, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:

"Every child should grow up with the care, encouragement and learning opportunities they need to flourish. High‑quality early learning and care, and school-age childcare, are crucial in this respect. It is key that parents have access to these essential services, and that the dedicated professionals who provide those services are supported.

“Progress on Programme for Government commitments around affordability, accessibility and quality must continue to be shaped by evidence and by the voices of those directly involved. That is why a wide‑ranging public consultation process is now underway. We want to hear valuable insights from parents, educators, practitioners and providers across the country. I encourage everyone to make their voices heard.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme