Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 October 2024
15. Deputy Brian Leddin asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth how the national childcare scheme has grown in recent years; when he expects parents using registered childminders to be able to avail of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43358/24]
View answerThe National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial supports to parents to help reduce the cost of early learning and childcare. The Scheme has undergone a number of enhancements in recent years to further improve affordability for parents. These include the extension of the Universal subsidy to all children under 15 and two increases to the minimum hourly subsidy, which is now worth €2.14 per hour.
These enhancements have helped to result in a positive growth in the number of families benefitting from NCS subsidies. As of 17th October, a total of 209,919 unique children have benefitted from an NCS subsidy in 2024 (YTD). Compared to the same period in 2023, this represents a positive growth of approx. 20%. Of these children, the largest growth is seen in the number benefitting from a Universal award, which is up 32% since 2023.
All childminders are now eligible to register with Tusla. This follows the commencement of legislation on 30th September which removes the legal exemption of childminders from registration and ensures parents who use Tusla-registered childminders are eligible for subsidies under the NCS.
In order to access NCS, childminders must register with Tusla and then enter into contract to provide the Scheme. In order to register with Tusla, a childminder is required to undertake pre-registration training, as well as meeting a number of other regulatory requirements and making an application to Tusla. There is a childminding development officer in every City/County Childcare Committee (CCC) whose remit is the support of childminders and delivery of pre-registration training. Pre-registration training started for childminders on 23 September and the register opened on 30 September. To date, 59 childminders have completed their pre-registration training and a number have begun the process of registering with Tusla.
In the meantime, parents are advised to visit www.ncs.gov.ie for more information on the Scheme, including details on how to apply for a subsidy. Additionally, a Childcare Search function is available on the NCS website which details a list of early learning and childcare services participating in the NCS, including childminders.
