Katherine Zappone, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Independent TD

Recommendations from Collaborative Forum for Former Residents of Mother and Baby Homes 

Recommendations from Collaborative Forum  The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone has announced a series of measures to respond to the Report of the Collaborative Forum for Former Residents of Mother and Baby Homes and Related Institutions. Government outlines response to recommendations Chief...

Minister Zappone welcomes the report of the National Disability Authority

Report of the National Disability Authority with regard to overage exemptions for ECCE free pre-school programme The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone and the Minister for Education and Skills, Mr Joe McHugh, welcomed and published the report by the National Disability...

Zappone confirms Childcare Programme Support Payments worth over €19m

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone T.D., has announced details of the forthcoming Programme Support Payment (PSP), due to be made available to all early learning and care providers this summer. Application window 13th May – 21st June 2019 Over €19m will be made...

Zappone confirms Childcare Programme Support Payments worth over €19m

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone T.D., has announced details of the forthcoming Programme Support Payment (PSP), due to be made available to all early learning and care providers this summer. Over €19m will be made available to early learning and care...

Dr. Katherine Zappone announces launch of the National Childcare Scheme

Minister  for  Children  and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, has today announced  the  launch  of  the  National  Childcare Scheme, the pathway to quality,  accessible,  affordable  Early  Learning  and Care and School-Age Childcare in Ireland. Affordable Childcare Scheme renamed as National Childcare Scheme  “In  2017  we ...

National youth organisations are receiving an increase of at least 2.5% Youth Funding

Scouting and Guide organisations, sports, arts and environment groups are among those to benefit from €11.1m in youth funding this year, according to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone. Funding Increase of at least 2.5%  National youth organisations are receiving an...

Terms set for examination of DNA options at Tuam Mother and Baby Home

Terms set for examination of DNA options at Tuam Mother and Baby Home Minister Zappone ‘sympathetic’ to request from survivors network The Terms of Reference and timeline have been set for an examination of legal options regarding DNA sampling in connection with the former Mother...

Minister Zappone announces the streamlining of existing targeted childcare schemes

Minister Zappone announces the streamlining of existing targeted childcare schemes in preparation for the transition to the new Affordable Childcare Scheme in October 2019.   The Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCS) will be merged with the Community Childcare Subvention Plus (CCSP) scheme once the current...

National Strategy on Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision-Making, 2015-2020

Launch of the third annual report on the implementation of the actions in the National Strategy on Children and Young People’s Participation in Decision-Making, 2015-2020   3rd Annual Report Launch Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, today launched the third annual report on...

Comhairle na nÓg Members to participate in First Dáil commemoration event

Pictured above with Minister Zappone, Anna Powell from Tipperary Comhairle and Alex Gorman from Longford Comhairle First Dáil commemoration event including Comhairle na nÓg Members was held  in Mansion House  First Dáil commemoration On 21st January 1919, Dáil Éireann met for the first time.  A hundread years on to...

Dr Katherine Zappone TD, welcomes progress by Tusla in dealing with cases of sexual abuse

Minister Zappone welcomed the publication of a progress report by the Expert Assurance Group on steps taken by Tusla to improve their handling of child sexual abuse cases. Minister Zappone said, “I welcome the publication of the Expert Assurance Group’s first quarterly report. I appreciate...

International stand against sale of children, child pornography & child prostitution

  Ireland joining international stand against sale of children, child pornography and child prostitution    The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, says Ireland now meets all legal requirements of an international protocol to end the sale of children and should quickly move to ratification....

Katherine Zappone TD announces appointment of Pat Rabbitte as Chair of the Board of Tusla

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone TD, has announced the appointment of Mr Pat Rabbitte as the Chairperson of the Board of Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.   Mr Rabbitte is being appointed by the Minister following a selection process managed...

Minister welcomes first anniversary of full commencement of the Children First Act 2015

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone T.D., has today marked the first anniversary of the full commencement of the Children First Act 2015.  Speaking today the Minister said, “11 December 2018 marks the first anniversary of a significant milestone in our...

Minister Zappone gives update on Scouting Ireland

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, has  provided an update on the numbers of people coming forward with information about alleged abuse within scouting. Minister Zappone says she has received a written update from Scouting Ireland which confirms that based on the...

New funding available to networks working to improve outcomes for children under QCBI

New funding available to networks working to improve outcomes for children under the Quality and Capacity Building Initiative (QCBI) Applications are now open for the new Department of Children and Youth Affairs’ Network Support Fund Tuesday 6th November 2018 The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs,...

New Affordable Childcare Scheme to open for applications in October 2019

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, has announced that the new Affordable Childcare Scheme will open for applications in mid-October 2019, with payments flowing from November 2019. The scheme will offer a single, easy to access system of financial subsidies towards childcare...

€1m funding to be made available to community & voluntary sector

€1m funding to be made available The funding will be made available to community and voluntary sector youth organisations to implement a Youth Employability Initiative to assist young people on their progression to achieving career goals. The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine...

Dáil Statements on Tuam Mother and Baby Home – Minister Katherine Zappone

I welcome this opportunity to update the House on the decision by Government in relation to the site of the former mother and baby home in Tuam, County Galway. Before I outline the substance of what has been agreed, I would like to warmly welcome...

Use Your Brain Not Your Fists Campaign

Today we are marking a great partnership between the South Dublin Comhairle and their friends in Leitrim. It is inspiring to be here today to launch important, strong and powerful messages. These are messages which will ensure that young people are protected, safe and well. I know...

Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Report – Oberstown Children Dentention Campus

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone TD, today welcomes the most recent inspection report from the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) into Oberstown Children Detention Campus (Oberstown). HIQA conducted a full inspection over five days, last March. The Minister said, “This...

Minister Zappone announces 128 capital grants for youth projects nationwide

Dr Katherine Zappone TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, has today announced €1.74 million in grants for 128 targeted staff-led youth projectsand services across the country to fund small capital projects. The grants approved, support purchases of equipment and small scale projects, including the...

Scouting Ireland Funding Suspended states Minisiter Katherine Zappone

“I have decided today that funding of Scouting Ireland will be suspended for as long as the current Board of Directors remains in place. I was very concerned to learn of recent events, particularly the vote taken at the Board meeting on Saturday 22nd September...

Putting Ireland top of the class for school completion : Minister Katherine Zappone

Putting Ireland top of the class for school completion ‘Joined up Educational Welfare Services will deliver for children, young people and families’ The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone, has announced plans for continuing and building upon the work in creating a joined...

Free Pre-school improvements for children, parents and providers this September

Children, parents and providers are set to benefit from improvements to the free pre-school ECCE scheme from this September. Childcare providers throughout the country will receive an increase of 7% in their capitation payments for the ECCE preschool programme in September.  Childcare providers to receive...

Inaugural meeting of the Collaborative Forum: Mother & Baby Homes

Minister Katherine Zappone opened the inaugural meeting at Government Buildings of the Collaborative Forum to facilitate dialogue and action on issues of concern to former residents of Mother and Baby Homes.

Record numbers of children are benefiting from the government’s childcare schemes

More children receiving government funded childcare than ever before Numbers availing of early years care and education schemes exceed 200,000 for the first time New universal subsidy has now benefitted the families of more than 38,000 children, whilst a further 45,000 children aged up to...

Minister Zappone to Restore Funding to Scouting Ireland

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, has today confirmed that she will restore funding to Scouting Ireland for three months after receiving commitments to implement recommendations of an Independent Review. Following  publicity surrounding an incident of alleged sexual assault, and of...

Celebrate recognition of Traveller ethnicity on Human Rights Day 10th Dec

In Recognition of Traveller Ethnicity On Friday 8th December  we will be celebrating the first International Human Rights Day (Dec 10th) with recognition of Traveller ethnicity.  If you do not already have a Traveller ethnicity pin (pictured above) and would like to join our pin promotion...

Early Years and a School Age Childcare Capital Programme in 2018

Time to prepare for grant applications 2018 I am delighted to announce that there will be an Early Years and a School Age Childcare Capital Programme in 2018.  The purpose of this announcement is to alert childcare services about the upcoming programme and give time...

Minister laser focused on delivering for children, young people and families

Major child policies will be delivered before Christmas As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs I have remained laser focused and committed on delivering for children, young people and families in recent days – and that remains the case. In the coming weeks major policies...

Small Business Saturday 2nd Dec

Small Business Saturday is a campaign that is supported and promoted by Retail Excellence, the largest retail representative body in Ireland. This is the fourth year of the Irish campaign which profiles small businesses and encourages consumers to shop locally and support jobs and enterprises...

Have your say on the future of policing in Ireland

Future of Policing The Commission on the Future of Policing in Ireland wants to hear your views on changes to the way policing is carried out in Ireland. The Commission was established in May 2017 to develop a blueprint for policing. It has been tasked...

Budget: Minister Zappone announces €73m package

 Budget  2018 Package Katherine Zappone TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has announced extra funding of €73m for children, youth services and families, bringing the total investment by her Department to €1.38 billion for 2018.  The Minister said: extra funding of €73m “I am...

€6.35m in funding to purchase equipment for Youth Groups: Apply Now!

More than 1,700 youth groups can apply from today €6.35m in funding to purchase equipment will made available for community youth groups.   “This is the first time that my Department has launched such a fund.” More than 1,700 community youth groups are set to...

Budget 2018 must set Tallaght to be a ‘Smart City’ of the future

Zappone meets Finance Minister to set out Budget priorities Budget 2018 must set Tallaght on a course to be a ‘Smart City’ of the future Minister Zappone has set out her goals at a meeting between Independent TDs and the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe....

National Youth Work Showcase Wedsnesday 27th Sept

Don’t miss out –  drop in on the day! Round Room of the Mansion House Wednesday, September 27th | 11am-3pm A fun-filled extravaganza celebrating the value, diversity and vitality of youth work in Ireland today. The Youth Work Changes Lives showcase will provide young people...

Supporting Children, Young People and Families in the Midlands

Young voices of the Midlands:Great Day with Minister Kevin Boxer Moran The Midlands is an important area of work for us. We support services which not only impact on the big towns such as Athlone, Mullingar and Longford but also reach out to smaller communities...

Extra Childcare Supports Begin Today

Up to 70,000 children and their families now have access to supports The start of supports today marks the first big step towards delivering accessible affordable quality childcare .Extra childcare supports are now available for up to 70,000 children and their families with over 75%...

Surge of interest from parents, crèches and childcare providers

Extra childcare supports starting in two weeks have sparked a surge of interest from parents, crèches and childcare providers Changing one of the most expensive childcare systems in the world into the best is an ambitious goal but one I am determined to work towards...

Registration Open at Childcare Centres #ItStartsNow

Childcare: Every parent needs to read this: Registrations open at childcare centres from today! http://affordablechildcare.ie/parentfaq/ Frequently Asked Questions: When do the new subsidies start? Registrations for the new childcare subsidies start from August 21st. Where do I apply? Is there an application form? There is...

Twelve local childcare providers are receiving €56,600 in funding to support their work with children of school going age The money is be used to improve the quality of the services provided for children who go to child-care at the end of the school day....

Minister Zappone announces €1.2m capital grants

€1.2m funding of the School Age Childcare Capital Scheme to improve existing school age childcare services This follows the recent announcement of funding of €2.7m under Strands A and B for new and existing services to increase the number of childcare places that they provide....

End of Year One Review Access Inclusion Model 2017

AIM has made a difference now after one year in operation it is time to examine what more can be done The End of Year One Review will gather information reflecting the experiences of the children, parents and pre-school practitioners participating in AIM as well...

Access Inclusion Model (AIM) Resource Packs receive €4m in funding

Créches, pre-schools and childcare centres are to receive extra support to open up their services to children with disabilities. Resource packs will be developed which will offer centres special instruction manuals, sensory toys as well as the support of a team of experts. Up to...

1,500 Community Youth Groups set to benefit from €4m Capital Fund

Capital Funding for Youth Groups More than 1,500 community youth groups are set to benefit from a €4m capital fund being established  by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone. Minister Zappone is confirming that the money is being made available to...

Book of Condolence for the late Dr. Ann Louise Gilligan

Dr. Katherine zappone presented with Book of Condolence A Book of Condolence for the late Dr Ann Louise Gilligan from Dublin’s Mansion presented to her spouse, Minister for Children, Dr Katherine Zappone (right) by Cllr Rebecca Moynihan. The book was opened during Dublin Pride following...

Signing of the Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2016 by the President in to law

Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2016 is to give effect to Article 42A (Children) of the Constitution Today  I welcomed the signing of the Adoption (Amendment) Bill 2016 by the President in to law. As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, I am conscious of the importance...

Local Childcare Centres secure €363,000 for improvements

Major investment paves way for radical new approach to childcare Local childcare centres in the South Dublin County Council area are getting over €363,000 for improvements .The funding will allow for extra childcare spaces, building and maintenance work as well as playgrounds – and is...

Dublin Parents ‘click’ for more affordable childcare

  Dublin Parents ‘click’ for more affordable childcare two-thirds of information requests from Dublin area. Parents in Dublin are leading the nation in seeking information on major childcare changes starting in September. Dublin families account for two-thirds of the 173,000 hits recorded on the special...

Implementing the Child Protection Audit Implementation Plan published

Protecting, supporting and caring for children is my mission and the mission of Tusla and of my Department. It is an area of work which we keep under constant review to ensure best practice. An Implementation Plan for the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) has...

Minister Zappone receives Seal of Office from President Higgins

Minister Zappone receives Seal of Office from President Higgins ‘Children must remain focus of all Government policies’ The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, has received her Seal of Office from President Micheal D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin. Minister Zappone said...

Funernal Arrangements for Katherine Zappones wife Ann Louise Gilligan

Gilligan (Brittas, Co Dublin and formerly of Nutley Park, Dublin) at St James’ Hospital, on 15th June 2017, following a brief illness. Ann Louise passed away in the care of the dedicated team at MISA in St James’ Hospital, with her spouse Katherine by her...

Extra €3.5m payment announced for childcare providers

Service providers who sign up to More Affordable Childcare measures from this September to benefit from new ‘non-contact’ funding measure An extra €3.5m will be made available to childcare providers in the form of a  ‘non-contact  time payment’ announced today by the Minister for Children...

Minister Katherine Zappone launches www.affordablechildcare.ie

More Affordable Childcare – time for local parents to act Tallaght families will benefit from More Affordable Childcare in September and should now take time to check out their rights, according to Dublin South West TD and Independent Minister, Katherine Zappone. A new website has...

Public Information Campaign Launch Affordable Childcare Scheme

The  Minister  for  Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone T.D., today  launched  a public information campaign about the Government’s plans to  deliver  More  Affordable  Childcare  to families from September.  This campaign will target thousands of families who will qualify for enhanced childcare supports from...

International team of experts appointed to Tuam Burial Site

Katherine Zappone T.D., Minister for Children & Youth Affairs today announced the appointment of a team of international experts to advise the Government on the burial site in Tuam.  Announcing the appointments in Dáil Éireann the Minister said “Having visited the site at Tuam and...

Countdown to More Affordable Childcare for families in Tallaght

The countdown to More Affordable Childcare for families in Tallaght and surrounding communities has begun. Local childcare services are now receiving information in the post about new arrangements, which will see families benefit by an extra €19m nationwide. The mail-shot to providers is going to...

Citizens Assembly: Repeal and replacement of the 8th Amendment

Politicians have duty to deliver on work of Citizen’s Assembly  “Delays would be a betrayal of women’s rights – politicians must provide leadership”  It is essential that politicians respond quickly to the outcomes of the Citizen’s Assembly and set the country on course for a...

Childcare Scheme for Families who are homeless extended

  An €8.25m scheme to provide free childcare to under 5-year olds living in emergency accommodation is being extended outside Dublin to nine other regions; Councils in Clare, Cork City, Cavan, Donegal, Kildare,Kilkenny, Leitrim, Offaly, Wicklow have signed up to get involved. Under the scheme...

2nd Interim Report of the Commission on Mother and Baby Homes Published

Katherine Zappone TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs has today published the Second Interim Report The Minister thanked the Commission for its important work and said: “I want to deal sensitively with the matters raised by the Commission to date.  The focus in this...

Minister Zappone announces 900 free places on LINC

900 free places on the Leadership for Inclusion in the Early Years (LINC) Higher Education Programme Applications will open this week for the second intake onto the Leadership for Inclusion (LINC) higher education programme for early years practitioners which will commence this September. LINC, which...

Local Councils receive funding to promote young voices

Children and young people must have a say in local decision-making Dr. Katherine Zappone, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, today announced the first payment under her Department’s Comhairle na nÓg Development Fund 2017 to 31 Local Authorities.Under the Comhairle na nÓg Development Fund of...

New additional funding for Childcare Centres: Early Years Capital Funding Scheme

Tallaght childcare providers can apply for support from a new national €4m fund The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs says local crèches, community services and other childcare providers can apply for money for new places, maintenance and outdoor play areas. Minister Zappone says individual...

Feminist futures– what we need to do to remove the barriers to women’s equality

Feminist futures– what we need to do to remove the barriers to women’s equality and ensure full equality in our future? #FemFest December 2nd, 2016 Minister Zappone Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to #FemFest and the afternoon session on Feminist Futures. I am delighted to be...

Minister Katherine Zappone joins ONE Campaign Youth Ambassadors 2017

Young voices demanding change…great to join ONE Campaign Youth Ambassadors 2017 The Minister was speaking at the launch of the ONE Youth Ambassador programme “Never lose heart, never lose determination & never lose sight of your goal, for it is too important” The ONE Youth...

Corporate Tax Summit “Corporate Tax Equity – Leading with Responsibility”

Minister Zappone speech presented at Inaugural Corporate Tax Summit, 16th February 2017. I would like to begin by acknowledging the work of the Taoiseach and his Department for organising this important and timely event. I believe this conference will serve as an important milestone in...

Affordable, Accessible, Quality Childcare Update. A step closer

Affordable Childcare Heads of Bill Scheme published Affordable quality childcare is another step closer as Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone today (30th January 2017) published Heads of Bill and General Scheme to allow for a radical new approach. The Affordable Childcare...

Defense of honest belief in the consent of a Victim

Following the approval of a Government Memo on the definition of consent to a sexual act, Independent Minister Katherine Zappone has secured Government agreement to review the defence of honest belief that consent was given in rape cases. This is when an accused can and...

Foróige in partnership with Youth Work Ireland

Contract awarded to youth organisations to give children and young people a stronger voice in decision-making Dr Katherine Zappone TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, today announced that Foróige, in partnership with Youth Work Ireland, has been awarded a three-year contract to provide children...

Free Childcare for homeless children

25 hours of free childcare for homeless children under new scheme Children up to the age of five whose parents are homeless are to be offered free childcare for 25 hours a week under a new initiative. Announcing the plans, Minister for Children and Youth...

Department of Children and Youth Affairs

Since being appointed Minister for Children and Youth Affairs on May 6th, I have worked hard to develop strong strategies for development and progression within my Department. As Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, my priorities are: Ensuring equal access to high quality early childhood...

Affordable Childcare Scheme for Ireland Online Consultation Process Open Now

New Affordable Childcare Scheme and online consultation launched by Minister Katherine Zappone. Be part of the discussion, online survey launched today, access here http://www.dcya.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?DocID=120 Minister Zappone  published a policy paper on the new Affordable Childcare Scheme for Ireland and launched an online consultation process on

Investment in youth projects – 10 % increase in funding from Budget 2017

Minister says extra funding provided in Budget 2017 will help young people in Tallaght Children and teenagers in Tallaght will benefit from a 10% jump in funding for youth services, according to Dublin South West Independent TD and Minister for Children, Dr Katherine Zappone. The...

Congratulations to organisations working with young people on grant applications

Congratulations to 86 organisations working with young people across the country receiving good news on grant applications… I am committed to supporting this vital work. Minister Zappone announces €1.98m capital grants to 86 youth projects and organisations throughout the country Dr Katherine Zappone TD, Minister...

Children placed at heart of Government Policy after 100 days in office

Accessible Childcare, listening to young people and ending inequality and child poverty set as goals Children and Young People have been placed at the heart of Government Policy during the first 100 days in office. The first three months of the Government have been used...

Minister Zappone welcomes Agreement on intercountry adoption

Dr Katherine Zappone TD, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, today (Thursday 18th August) welcomed the official signing of the Administrative Agreement on intercountry adoption between the Adoption Authority of Ireland and the Philippines Intercountry Adoption Board (ICAB). This Administrative Agreement sets out in detail...

National Collaborative Forum for the Early Years Care and Education Sector

(The Early Years Forum (EYF)) The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone, has established the National Collaborative Forum for the Early Years Care and Education Sector, which will be known as the Early Years Forum. The Forum will facilitate the discussion of...