Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 April 2024
95. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his Department is responsible for introducing and setting the attendance-based rules for ECEC/ SAC funding schemes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19199/24]
View answerApproximately €370 million has been allocated to the National Childcare Scheme this year to reduce out of pocket costs to families using registered early learning and childcare.
This Scheme is designed to be flexible, recognising that early learning and childcare needs are different for each family.
The Scheme is also designed on a “money follows the child” basis. As such, funding is based on time that the child attends the service.
The basis for this approach was set out in the 2016 policy paper and subsequently in the Childcare Support Act 2018 passed by this house.
Basing funding around actual attendance supports effective and efficient use of public monies.
It also strikes a balance between money following the child and funding stability for early learning and childcare providers.
This approach – also adopted for the ECCE programme and the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) - is informed by the Public Spending Code published by the Department of Public Expenditure, which obligates public bodies to treat public funds with care, and to ensure that the best possible value for money is obtained whenever public money is being spent.
This combination of flexibility, accountability and funding approaches provides an appropriate balance to support families and early learning and childcare providers while also ensuring the best use of Exchequer funding.
An independent evaluation of the National Childcare Scheme will begin this year which, amongst other things, will look at how the current set of rules are functioning and will identify any enhancements that can be introduced.
It should also be noted that in addition to this Scheme, the ECCE programme and AIM, the funding model for the sector also includes Core Funding.
This is a supply-side payment to providers that is based on staffed capacity and does not fluctuate in line with children’s attendance.
My Department will commence an independent review of the NCS in Q3, 2024 and it is anticipated that it will conclude in Q1, 2025.
