Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
578. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to confirm that in September 2024 his Department plans to introduce a further 25% reduction in average childcare fees, and that this will result in a 43.75% reduction of fees on 2022 levels, on average; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16109/24]
View answerAs announced as part of Budget 2024, from September 2024 the universal subsidy provided through the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) will be increased from €1.40 to €2.14 per child per hour. This change follows on from a previous increase to the NCS universal subsidy from €0.50 to €1.40. The upcoming increase to €2.14 will reduce out of pocket childcare costs by 50% overall when compared to 2022 levels. It should be noted that this reduction is a result of cumulative changes and is based on calculations made during Budget time.
The fee freeze in place in 94% of services participating in the Core Funding Scheme which has been in operation since 2022 ensures that these enhancements to the NCS subsidies will not absorbed by fee increases.
