Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 October 2016
644. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason persons participating in the Jobsplus scheme are only entitled to subsidised child care for 52 weeks, when Jobsplus is a two-year scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30241/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the question relates to the After School Childcare Scheme" , which is funded by my Department. Eligibility for this scheme is determined by the Dept. of Social Protection and the entitlement is for a maximum of 52 weeks in total depending on availability. This allowance does not need to be used consecutively. Depending on circumstances, participants may alternatively be eligible for other childcare schemes, such as the Community Childcare Subvention, which is not limited in duration.
From September 2017 the After School Childcare Scheme will be discontinued and replaced by the new Single Affordable Childcare Scheme; with entitlement based on parental income, so participants in the JobsPlus scheme will no longer be limited to 52 weeks of eligibility. Information in relation to the Single Affordable Childcare Scheme is available on the DCYA website.
