3061. Deputy Brian Brennan asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality further to the approval in principal if she can provide an update on the State-led Early Learning and Childcare Capital Programme application (details supplied). [62909/26]

Improving access to high-quality early learning and childcare is a key priority of government.

€135 million will be made available between 2026 and 2030 for the State-led Early Learning and Childcare capital programme, providing high-quality, accessible early learning and childcare.

When a suitable project is brought to the Department, the Forward Planning and Delivery Unit develop a Preliminary Business Case for the project. The Preliminary Business Case assesses the building and the location associated with the project against the programme's appraisal criteria as well as analysing cost, value for money and the quality of the proposed building. This Preliminary Business Case is submitted for approval-in-principle.

To date, nine projects have received approval-in-principle and are being developed as part of this programme.

After approval-in-principle, a Final Business Case is developed for the project which includes the selection of an eligible operator, agreement of investment/purchasing of buildings, and detailed building design and costing work. The Final Business Case is considered by the Capital Steering Group prior to being submitted for approval. Only once a Final Business Case which provides full details of the project has been developed can final approval for funding be sought.