Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
1922. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the estimated cost of the early childhood care and education scheme over a 48-week period at a higher amount of €12 for both higher and lower capitation rates. [27386/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe total cost for a calendar year for increasing both the lower and higher capitation rates for ECCE would be €427m which is an increase of €150m. It should be noted that this question only addresses the financial aspect of such increases. Any changes would also require revision of the rules around eligibility and enrolment dates and would also need to look at issues of capacity with regard to physical space, staffing capacities and other associated matters.
It should be noted that the actual cost of this proposal would be subject to a number of factors including actual levels of participation, and the number of children subvented at the 'higher capitation' rate costs increase as the number of higher qualified staff increase.
