Ireland’s early years policy has moved another step forward with the publication of the latest gov.ie update on First 5. The new First 5 progress report outlines how the government is expanding childcare, family supports and child health measures to give babies and young children a stronger start in life.
Published by the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the 2025 update tracks progress under First 5, the whole-of-government strategy running from 2019 to 2028. The plan is designed to improve services for babies, young children and their families through coordinated action across departments and agencies, including Health, Social Protection, Education and Enterprise, Trade and Employment.
First 5 progress report highlights for 2025
The latest First 5 progress report shows a broad range of developments across childcare, parenting supports and public services. Minister Norma Foley said the strategy remains focused on helping all children benefit from positive early experiences and the best possible start in life.
- Two major plans were launched for early learning and care and school-age childcare, including Shaping the Future and Simplify and Support.
- The Building Blocks Extension Scheme began in 2025, with 50 projects selected to improve or expand early learning and care facilities.
- The Bia Blasta pre-school nutrition programme was introduced in more than 470 Equal Start settings in disadvantaged communities.
- Work started on a tailored Access and Inclusion Model for children aged 0 to 3 in early learning settings.
- More than 700 applicants have been supported through the Nurturing Skills Learner Fund since its 2024 launch.
The report also highlights the role of Children and Young People’s Services Committees and new funding streams to promote local parenting support projects across the country.
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How family supports are changing in Ireland
A key part of the First 5 progress report is the expansion of family-friendly supports. Ireland now provides a combined 46 weeks of paid family leave for two-parent families through maternity, paternity and parent’s leave and benefit. These supports sit alongside unpaid leave options that offer additional flexibility to working parents.
Budget changes also increased weekly maternity, paternity, adoptive and parent’s benefits to €289 in 2025, rising again in 2026. This work connects closely with the role of the Department of the Taoiseach, Social Protection and Finance in shaping family policy and public spending priorities.
There was also further movement on flexible and remote working rules through the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, supported by a code of practice from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC).
Tusla and local parenting support
Tusla has continued work on service reform, including a Local Integrated Service Delivery Framework and new family support structures. Alongside that, parenting supports are being strengthened nationally and locally through awareness campaigns, home visiting initiatives and advisor roles.
In 2025, the Parenting Supports Awareness Fund was rolled out across all 27 CYPSC areas, while the Parents Peer Support Fund increased by 33%, bringing total available support to €100,000.
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Health, childcare and poverty measures in the First 5 progress report
The First 5 progress report also points to progress in child health and anti-poverty measures. The Health Service Executive (HSE) and Health sector are central to this work, with investment supporting postnatal hubs, specialist midwives and improvements in maternity care.
On mental health, hundreds of practitioners have been trained through the Togetherness programme, helping embed positive early mental health supports across services.
The report notes that almost 247,000 children benefited from the National Childcare Scheme in 2025. Further changes due from September 2026 are expected to widen access and increase support for lower-income families. This aligns with broader national efforts to reduce child poverty and improve outcomes for disadvantaged children.
The First 5 progress report shows that Ireland’s early years strategy is not standing still. From childcare expansion to better parenting supports and stronger health services, the latest gov.ie update reflects a continuing effort across government, including Tusla, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC), to back families in practical ways. For parents, providers and policymakers, the key takeaway is clear: the First 5 progress report remains a central roadmap for how Ireland plans to support children in their earliest and most important years.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
