768. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will impose restrictions under core funding on the maximum deposit amount a childcare provider can charge; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44939/26]

769. Deputy Aisling Dempsey asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will amend the core funding rule to only allow childcare providers without waiting lists retain the deposits of families who choose not to take the place provided for their children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [44940/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 768 and 769 together.

Under Core Funding, in which over 93% of the early learning and childcare sector participates, Partner Services sign a legally binding Funding Agreement, through which they agree that all deposits must be returned to the parent/ guardian once the child’s registration is approved on the Hive or within four weeks of the child taking up the place, whichever is sooner.

Additionally, providers must agree that they will not charge any non-refundable deposits (including administration/registration fees/waiting list fees, etc.) to parents/guardians in respect of their early learning and childcare service for which the deposit was paid.

While current rules do not prescribe a maximum monetary value for deposits, the requirement for services to refund any deposits charged, and to do so within a defined timeframe, significantly limits the financial burden that deposit costs may place on families.

In instances where a child does not take up a place for which a deposit was paid, there is no onus on a provider, under the Core Funding rules, to return the deposit to the parent/guardian.

The Department is committed to ongoing engagement on this matter, with any potential refinements to rules surrounding deposits forming part of the broader annual review of Core Funding policy and fee management conditions.