Early Childhood Ireland is urging the Irish government to make a significant investment in Early Years and School Age Care in Budget 2025 to address the ongoing challenges facing the sector in Donegal.
As the Dáil resumes later this afternoon, the organisation says this budget is the last chance for the government to keep its promise to the 8,200 children currently attending preschool education in the county.
CEO of ECI, Donegal native, Teresa Heeney emphasised the urgent need for a new investment target and a long-term plan to ensure the well-being of children and families in the region.
She also says the current level of government funding for Early Years in Ireland is significantly lower than in other developed countries which is reflected in the issues faced in this county:
