662. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if funding is available in her Department to fund furniture, toys and outdoor equipment for early years services who have completed extensions to build capacity supporting them with high costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [51434/26]

Capital funding has been allocated to this Department under the National Development Plan, including €197 million for early learning and childcare capital investment over the next five years.

Following on from the success of the Building Blocks Extension Grant Scheme, which is operating in 2025 and 2026, a phase 2 of the Building Blocks Extension Scheme has now opened for applications. This round of capital funding will focus on funding extensions to existing premises to allow for increased numbers of children to be offered early learning and care places on a full-time basis. Community and private providers who are Core Funding partner services are eligible to apply for this scheme.

The closing date for applications is 31st July 2026.

Separately, the Department is embarking on programme of capital investment in State-led early learning and childcare which will make investment in buildings to support the expansion of full day places, particularly for young children. This investment will constitute purchase and/or fit out of buildings depending on the specifics of particular projects.

As part of the Building Blocks and State-led early learning and childcare capital programme there is provision for furniture and outdoor equipment to be funded but there are no plans currently to introduce a separate capital scheme to fund furniture, toys and outdoor equipment.