Minister to establish business support service for childcare providers

Friday 26 September 2025

Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has announced her intention to set up a business support service for childcare providers.

The service is a recommendation contained in research published today by the Department for the Economy. The research entitled Targeted Business Support for Childcare Providers was commissioned to determine the key issues impacting the financial sustainability of childcare providers and specific targeted business support requirements.

Commenting on the research, the Minister said: “The childcare sector operates in a unique commercial environment, and this merits a bespoke business support service. My Department is now scoping out how this service will be delivered but I am mindful of the need for it to be available to voluntary and community providers, childminders, and childcare businesses alike. It is also important that the service is provided on an ongoing basis so that we can gain a better understanding of the financial needs of the sector and tailor support over time.”

The Report can be found on the Department's website here.

Friday 26 September 2025