• From: Department of Children, Disability and Equality
• Published on: 20 June 2025
• Last updated on: 20 June 2025
•  

Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley T.D. is today delighted to announce that 461 Parent and Toddler Groups around the country are receiving funding totalling €421,618.

The funding can be used for a variety of purposes including children’s toys, equipment and books as well as children’s refreshments and snacks. It can also be used for children’s activities such as arts and crafts and music. Parents can also be supported with parenting courses and courses in first aid for children.

This initiative is part of First 5, the Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families. In February, the Minister announced that funding of €350,000 had been secured, which was an increase of €100,000 on last year’s allocation.

However, with the growth in demand even stronger this year, a further additional €70,000 in funding was secured to bring the budget up to €421,000.

This has allowed the allocation of grants to 461 Parent and Toddler Groups this year, an increase of 66 compared to last year when 395 groups received grants.

Minister Foley said:

“I’m delighted to be supporting the wonderful work of the Parent and Toddler groups who provide a valuable opportunity for parents/carers with younger children to meet up in the community.

“It is very encouraging to see that more and more parents and their toddlers are taking part every year. I am pleased that these grants are supporting the growth of buggy walking groups, which were introduced post-COVID to encourage more outdoor activity.

“These groups are an important source of social contact especially for new parents and parents who are new to an area.

“I want to especially thank the groups who are offering a welcome and friendship to parents and children who are newly arrived in Ireland and into the community.”

Breakdown of the Parent and Toddler grants are listed in the table below