Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 February 2017
446. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when parents in counties Cavan and Monaghan will have access to or have some information on the subsidy to which they are entitled under the affordable child care scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9210/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra"The universal element of the Scheme will be available to all families with children between the age of 6 months and 36 months (or until the child qualifies for the free pre-school programme if later than 36 months). The targeted element of the scheme will involve a progressive system of income-related subsidies for parents with children between 6 months and 15 years, with eligibility based on net parental income. A family may receive either the universal or the targeted subsidy per eligible child, not both. The subsidy provided will be whichever of the universal and targeted payment is most favourable to a family.
For parents with net incomes up to €22,700 per annum, the maximum rate of childcare subsidy will be payable. The rate of subsidy will taper downwards as net income rises, with no means-tested / income related subsidy payable when net income reaches €47,500. For families with net income levels above this threshold, the universal subsidy may be available, depending on the age of the child.
The scheme will be available in childcare providers who are registered with Tusla, including both centre-based childcare providers (e.g. crèches, preschools and daycare centres) and child-minders.
Further information regarding the Affordable Childcare Scheme can be found on the Department's website. There is also a FAQs document which should be of help to the parents in Cavan and Monaghan, as it outlines the subsidies that they will be able to avail of."
As plans for the implementation of the scheme progress further, details will become available through a dedicated website.
