Childcare Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 February 2024

Thursday, 8 February 2024

Questions (288)

Kathleen Funchion

Question:

288. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated associated costs to reduce the national childcare scheme income threshold to €40,000; the estimated number of children that would potentially benefit from lowering the threshold and all other cost implications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5907/24]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

Officials in my Department are currently experiencing temporary issues in accessing the ESRI SWITCH Model, which is required to model complex changes to the National Childcare Scheme. 

Officials will revert to the Deputy directly as soon as possible once access is restored and an accurate estimate to the above scenario can be provided.