Children from birth to five whose parents are homeless will be eligible for the new entitlement.
Families in the Dublin region, where 2,110 children are listed as homeless, will be the first to benefit from the free entitlement next month, with other areas expected to follow.
The initiative is supported by Government funding of 8.25 million euros.
Making the announcement, the minister for children and youth affairs Dr Katherine Zappone, said, 'This is an important initiative targeting a particularly vulnerable group of children who need additional support given their situation.
'The provision of up to 25 hours of free childcare a week to include a daily meal will lift a huge burden from families.
'The scheme is also designed to help those transitioning from homelessness to permanent accommodation.'
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