Consultation event on Early Learning and Childcare

A consultation event on Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare is to be held in Athlone next month.

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley is encouraging people to attend the local event as part of the National Conversation on Education.

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality (DCDE), in partnership with County Westmeath Childcare Committee is hosting the events, at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Athlone taking place on Tuesday, April 28, from 6.30-8.30pm and the Bloomfield House Hotel in Mullingar taking place on Thursday, April 30 from 6.30-8.30pm.

Those interested in taking part can book a place online at gov.ie/LetsTalkEarlyYears. Places are limited.

The consultation process is seeking views from parents, early years educators, school age childcare practitioners, childminders, providers and anyone interested in the issues.

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.

A total of, 51 local consultation events are being held across Ireland between 20–30 April 2026. Each local consultation event will run for approximately 1.5–2 hours. 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.

Westmeath CCC Manager, Muriel Flynn said:

“At Westmeath County Childcare Committee, we work with parents, early years educators, school-age childcare practitioners, childminders and providers every day. We know just how transformative early learning and care, and school age childcare can be for children—supporting their learning, development, and overall wellbeing.”

“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.”