This study examines the characteristics of the early years sector in Ireland. It is based on an annual survey sent to all providers receiving public funding. Responses were received from 2,592 of 4,235 surveyed providers. These providers offer slots for 92,448 children, with a total of 84,877 children enrolled. Thirty-one percent of providers have no available slots and 4,109 children are on waiting lists. Providers with slots report a total of 19,309 available. More than 95 percent of providers have a designated staff member responsible for child protection. Average weekly price for full-time care is 166 euros for a child over one year old and 173 euros for an infant. Providers average nearly 5 staff, with approximately half full-time and half part-time. More than 80 percent of providers are members of at least one early years network or organization.