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Department of Children, Disability and Equality

Department of Children, Disability and Equality
National Conversation on Education: The First Five Years and School Age Childcare

National Conversation on Education: The First Five Years and School Age Childcare

As part of the National Conversation on Education the Department of Children, Disability, and Equality (DCDE) is undertaking an online survey. It is open from 4th February 2026 until 12th March 2026.

Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions

Information for survivors and former residents of Mother and Baby and County Home Institutions

Childcare supports

Information on childcare supports available to you

How to report on the Gender Pay Gap

The gender pay gap is the difference in the average hourly wage of men and women across a workforce

Consultations

Public Consultation on the National Policy Framework for Alternative Care 6 February 2026
National Conversation on Education: The First Five Years and School Age Childcare 4 February 2026
Public Consultation on the Regulation of School Age Childcare and of Early Learning and Care Services 12 September 2025
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General Publications

The General Scheme for the Disability (Amendment) Bill 12 February 2026
Legislative amendments to Part 6 of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 11 February 2026
First Annual Report- Participation of Children and Young People in Decision-making: Action Plan 2024-2028 29 January 2026
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Press Releases

Minister Foley provides update on the work being carried out on the Tusla Wellbeing Project 12 February 2026
Ministers Lawless and Foley launch First-of-Its-Kind Education Partnership to Support Students with Care Experience 11 February 2026
Minister Norma Foley launches the Childminding Development Grants for 2026 9 February 2026
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Policies

Children
Equality
EU and International

Services

Concerns About A Child
Become a Foster Carer
Local Family Resource Centres
Adoption Application Forms
Recognition of an Early Years Qualification

Ministers

Norma Foley
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality
Emer Higgins
Minister of State with responsibility for Disability

Senior management

Kevin McCarthy
Secretary General of the Department of Children, Disability and Equality
Dr. Anne Marie Brooks
Assistant Secretary, Early Learning and Care and School-Age Childcare Division
Laura McGarrigle
Assistant Secretary General, Mother and Baby Homes, Finance and Research Division
Carol Baxter
Assistant Secretary, Equality, Rights and Participation Division
Lara Hynes
Assistant Secretary, Child Policy and Tusla Governance Division
Colm Ó Conaill
Assistant Secretary, Disability Division
Sheenagh Rooney
Assistant Secretary, Organisation and Strategy Development Division

About

The Department of Children, Disability and Equality's mission is to lead the effort to improve the outcomes for children and young people in Ireland.

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Contacts

Department of Children, Disability and Equality

Address:
Block 1, Miesian Plaza, 50 – 58 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, D02 XW14
Website:
Email:

contact@dcde.gov.ie

Telephone:
+353 1 647 3000
Map:
View location on map

Department of of Children, Disability and Equality - Minister's Office

Address:
Block 1, Miesian Plaza, 50 – 58 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, D02 XW14
Website:
Email:

minister@dcde.gov.ie

Telephone:
+353 1 647 3000

Mother and Baby Homes Information Line

Email:

motherandbabyhomes@dcde.gov.ie

Telephone:
+353 1 6473200

Magdalen Restorative Justice Ex-Gratia Scheme

Address:
Block 1, Miesian Plaza, 50 – 58 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, D02 XW14
Email:

MRJScheme@dcde.gov.ie

Telephone:
087 165 6460

Corporate

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