Unexpected childcare charges can place significant pressure on household budgets. Ireland’s childcare fee review process gives parents a formal route to raise concerns where a Core Funding Partner Service may have increased fees incorrectly or breached fee management conditions.
Childcare fee review process explained
For the 2026/27 Programme Year, potential breaches are examined through the Core Funding Fee Review process. Investigations are being conducted by the National Fee Review Team (NFRT), alongside Department of Children, Disability and Equality officials who make decisions on individual cases.
The process applies where an individual believes that a Core Funding Partner Service has charged more than permitted or failed to follow the relevant fee management rules. A review can assess the circumstances and determine whether corrective action is required.
What parents should do first
Anyone who wishes to report a possible breach should begin by contacting their local City or County Childcare Committee (CCC). The committee can provide guidance on the concern and explain how it should be raised through the appropriate channels.
Parents should retain relevant information, such as:
- Fee notices, invoices or payment records
- Parent statements and correspondence with the childcare provider
- Details of when the fee changed and what explanation was provided
- Evidence of any overpayment or disputed charge
Possible outcomes after a childcare fee review
Sanctions depend on the facts of each case. If a breach of Core Funding rules is established, the Partner Service may be required to provide evidence that it has corrected the problem within 60 working days.
Remediation may include:
- Returning fees to the correct level where necessary
- Notifying parents who were overcharged and refunding the full amount owed, or agreeing a repayment plan
- Updating the relevant Fee Table and Parent Statement on HIVE
- Displaying the updated information at the service premises and emailing it to parents where required
Funding may remain suspended while a case is being determined or until the service provides a declaration and supporting evidence showing compliance with the review outcome. If the required declaration and evidence are not submitted within the 60-day period and by the end of the programme year, suspended funding may be forfeited.
What this means for childcare providers
The rules place responsibility on funded services to keep fee information accurate, transparent and accessible. Providers must be able to demonstrate that they have acted on any finding and completed the required remediation within the specified timeframe. In serious cases, failure to do so may lead to termination of the Core Funding Partner Service Funding Agreement by the Minister.
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Key takeaway for parents
The childcare fee review process is designed to investigate suspected breaches of Core Funding fee conditions and secure appropriate remedies. Parents should contact their local City or County Childcare Committee first, keep clear records and seek confirmation of any disputed payments. The Department of Children, Disability and Equality publication was issued on 14 January 2025 and updated on 9 October 2026.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
