Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2020
268. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the extent to which he and his Department continue to meet in full or in part childcare support applications from crèches and parents; his proposals to further enhance the funding available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41001/20]
View answerThe National Childcare Scheme (NCS) was introduced in November 2019. It offers a statutory entitlement to financial support for childcare. It establishes an equitable and progressive system of universal and income-related subsidies for children up to the age of 15. The NCS derives from the Childcare Support Act 2018 which is the first piece of primary legislation passed in Ireland relating to childcare.
It is a pioneering new scheme which aims to improve children’s outcomes, support lifelong learning, make work pay and reduce child poverty. My Department is fully committed to the success of the NCS to benefit families across Ireland, and envisage its further growth into 2021 as families make greater use of childcare services as we recover from the impact of COVID-19.
NCS subsidies are awarded as an hourly rate for a maximum number of hours per week. The maximum number of subsidised hours available to families has increased from September 2020. Parents in work, study or training can now avail of up to 45 subsidised hours of childcare per week. Parents not in work, study or training can avail of up to 20 subsidised hours of childcare per week.
NCS subsidies can be used in any registered childcare provider that has contracted to provide the NCS in their service.
Over 2,900 childcare providers have contracted to provide the NCS in their service. Over 34,800 children are currently benefitting from their NCS award.
The National Childcare Scheme has been designed to be flexible, with income thresholds, maximum hours and subsidy rates which can be adjusted in line with Government decisions and as more investment becomes available. As such, any adjustments deemed necessary by Government can be carried out in a quick and responsive manner.
Parents can find more information on the NCS at www.ncs.gov.ie and by phoning the Parent Support Centre at 01 906 8530. Parents can also contact their local City/County Childcare Committee to learn more about Early Learning and Care and School Age Childcare supports available to them. Details about local CCCs can be found at www.myccc.ie.
