Child Care Costs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 October 2016

Wednesday, 26 October 2016

Ceisteanna (193)

Thomas Pringle

Ceist:

193. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the way the single affordable childcare scheme will prevent child care facilities from driving up prices even further; the monitoring mechanisms in place to prevent this; if the introduction of a cap on fees will be introduced sooner rather than later in an effort to prevent price hikes, a cap similar to that already introduced as part of the state funded ECCE; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32216/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs

The Single Affordable Scheme, which I have announced as part of Budget 2017, is intended to support parents in meeting the cost of childcare. Childcare providers set their own fees, and there is no current plan for the Government to control fees, which would be a major intrusion in the market and could, if not managed carefully and appropriately, create risks around the viability and quality of childcare provision. The Programme for Government includes a commitment to carrying out an independent review of costs. This review will be overseen by my Department and will include analysis on the potential benefits and risks of imposing price caps on childcare providers.

It is intended that all providers participating in the Scheme will be required to have their fees published so that parents can compare providers and can see what their co-payment would be after taking account of any State subsidy.