Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 January 2025
1258. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if he will review the national childcare scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1551/25]
View answerThe NCS is designed to substantially reduce costs to families using eligible early learning and childcare. It is designed to be flexible, recognising that early learning and childcare needs are different for each family.
The underpinning rationale of the Scheme, including the hours-based aspect, was set out in the 2016 "Policy Paper on the Development of a new Single Affordable Childcare Scheme" and given statutory expression through the Oireachtas in the Childcare Support Act 2018.
The hours-based nature of the NCS is designed to fit around the needs of families and ensure that the reach and effectiveness of funding is maximised through application to actual usage of early and learning and childcare.
The family agrees the number of hours to be used with their provider and (within overall scheme limits) these hours are registered with the scheme administrator. This design allows the parents to receive a subsidy for the hours that they actually require. The number of hours can also be altered week to week, for example during a school midterm the parents subsidy can be increased.
It should also be noted that services are private entities and it is open to them to decide what level of service is offered to parents including session types (part-time, full-time etc).
Finally, I would note that my Department will soon commence an independent evaluation of the NCS which will examine how the Scheme is operating and identify potential changes or improvements to the Scheme. As part of this evaluation, the hours based model of the NCS will be reviewed. Any changes to NCS policy will be informed by consultation with stakeholders who are affected by the scheme.
