Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 October 2021
163. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth when he intends to publish the review into the national childcare scheme; the way he plans to implement the recommendations of the review; and if he will implement these recommendations early in 2022. [48518/21]
View answerThe 12 month review of the National Childcare Scheme, as required under Section 26 of the Childcare Support Act 2018, commenced at the end of March 2021. It is an independent assessment of the implementation and impacts of NCS during its first year of operation and will provide key data and information to support the future development of the NCS.
The report is in the final stages of completion by the consultant tasked with the review of the NCS and it is intended that the report will be submitted to the houses of the Oireachtas in Q.4 of this year.
The review was undertaken to provide a basis for my Department to consider how effectively the NCS is operating and whether it delivered on its objectives within the first year.
The review, once completed, will provide an opportunity for my Department and I to consider how the NCS meets its policy objectives, of improved children's outcomes, parental engagement in work or study and reduced child poverty, and support those most in need in the best evidence informed manner.
In considering these matters, my Department will also consider how best to respond to any issues raised and pathways to implementation.
