It was an honour to be appointed on May 6th 2016. As Minister my priorities were:
- Ending child poverty
- Ending child homelessness
- Ensuring equal access to high quality early childhood education and care
- Protecting vulnerable children in Ireland and Globally

News Updates
Minister Zappone appoints governance expert for independent assessment of Scouting Ireland’s governance
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, has asked Ms Brigid McManus, former Secretary General of the Department of Education and Skills, to carry out an assessment…
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Minister Zappone welcomes launch of the Postal Application Process for the National Childcare Scheme
30,359 applications received to date for 39,572 children The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) opened for online applications on 20th November 2019. To date 30,359 applications for support for 39,572 children have…
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Minister Zappone welcomes recognition of progress made in Children’s Rights Alliance Report Card
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone today welcomed the recognition of significant progress made in areas including school-age childcare, childminding, and educational disadvantage in the 2020…
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Minister Katherine Zappone launches grant scheme to support commemorative events related to Mother and Child Institutions and County Homes
Scheme now open to applications for funding The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, has today announced the launch of a grant scheme to support commemorative events…
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EU Commission commends Ireland’s substantial progress in increasing access to affordable and quality childcare
Substantial progress in increasing access to affordable and quality childcare The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone TD, has today welcomed the findings from the EU Commission…
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