Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 May 2016
261. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if she is concerned at the recent decision of the Workplace Relations Commission on au pairs confirming that these are normal contracts of employment; if this will have a detrimental effect on the provision of child care; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [12485/16]
View answerIssues relating to the Workplace Relations Commission and au pair contracts are a matter for the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs (DCYA) is not aware of whether the Workplace Relations Commission decision will reduce the numbers of families who rely on au pairs for their child-minding requirements. In relation to the provision of childcare, the report of the Interdepartmental Group on Future Investment in Childcare found that au pairs or nannies comprise a small percentage of childcare arrangements. The 'Growing Up in Ireland' longitudinal study indicated in December 2011 that one percent of nine-month-olds, and one percent of three-year-olds are cared for by au pairs/Nannies.
Parents are encouraged to make contact with their local City or County Childcare Committee (CCC) if they require advice or support with childcare choices. CCCs are available in 31 locations across Ireland. Childminding Ireland may also be able to assist in finding a registered childminder.
The DCYA administers a number of programmes to assist parents in accessing affordable childcare. These programmes are predominantly available through formal childcare settings only (crèches or pre-schools) but in some instances are available through Tusla notified childminders who meet contract requirements.
The largest scheme operated by my Department is the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) programme, which, from September 2016, will make free pre-school available, 15 hours per week, to all children from the time they turn three, until they go to school, entering at three points in the year, September, January and April. On average, from September 2016, children will benefit from 61 weeks, up from 38 weeks. It is estimated that access to the average 61 weeks of ECCE can reduce the cost of childcare by €4,000 per child.
My Department also operates the Community Childcare Supplement (CCS), the After-School Childcare (ASCC), Childcare Education and Training Support (CETS), and Community Employment Childcare (CEC) programmes which subsidise childcare for eligible parents. In 2017 my Department plans to replace these with a single and simplified programme that will be available through community (not for profit) and private childcare providers. This programme, when developed, will provide a framework thorough which any further investment in the subsidisation of childcare can be delivered. Some subsidised childcare places through the Community Childcare Supplement (CCS) programme remain available and low income parents are encouraged to make inquiries regarding their possible eligibility for CCS with their local City and County Childcare Committee.
