Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 February 2024
490. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of unique children that are in a sponsorship arrangement through the NCS for 2022 and 2023; the full year cost for 2022 and 2023; the cost per child of these sponsorship arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7621/24]
View answerThe Sponsorship arrangement available under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) makes special provision for vulnerable children.
The NCS Sponsorship arrangement allows designated bodies to refer children to the Scheme where childcare is needed on child welfare, protection, family support or other specified grounds. Where a referral is made by a Sponsor body, the family will automatically qualify for a subsidy without having to satisfy the Scheme’s eligibility, income or enhanced hours requirements. The Scheme will pay the full cost of the childcare for families referred to the Scheme by a Sponsor Body.
A full breakdown of the number of unique children receiving Sponsorship in the specified years, along with the total value of successful claims, and average value claimed is detailed below.
It is important to note that the value claimed per individual child will depend on the age of the child and the number of hours claimed.
|
Year |
No. of unique children with a successful sponsorship claim |
Total value of successful claims |
Average value claimed by child in each year |
|
2022 |
5,207 |
€13,950,282.92 |
€2,679.14 |
|
2023 |
7,175 |
€19,651,246.54 |
€2,738.85 |
Finally, it may be of interest to note that Sponsorship rates will increase as part of Budget 2024 measures. Increased rates will take effect from 2 September 2024.
