National Childcare Scheme

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 September 2020

Tuesday, 8 September 2020

Ceisteanna (826)

Aodhán Ó Ríordáin

Ceist:

826. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration if his attention has been drawn to cases such as a case (details supplied) in which parents were unable to apply for the NCS subsidy before the end of August 2020 deadline due to the change in procedure requiring parents rather than childcare service application and an inability to access a CHICK number without a public services card; the number of children affected; if he will consider extending the deadline to accommodate late applicants in view of the reduced availability of MyGovID card services due to the global pandemic and the difficulties in accessing clear information on how to access a CHICK number. [22556/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration

The National Childcare Scheme operates on a rolling basis from one year to the next it opened for online applications in November of 2019. Subsidies for parents are generally renewed on an annual basis but eligible parents can apply for the Scheme all year round. Subsidies for parents are generally renewed on an annual basis.

The National Childcare Scheme has always been designed such that, applications would be accepted both online and offline.

A PSC and verified MyGovID account are required to apply online only.

Parents can apply offline by requesting a postal application form by contacting the NCS Parent Support Centre on 01-9068530.

It has always been the case that Parents must make the application to the NCS on behalf of their own child. It not possible for a provider to make an application to the NCS on behalf of a child who is not their own.

There is no deadline or cut-off for application for the NCS. Parents can receive a "CHICK" number once they have successfully completed their NCS application at any time of the year. They need to bring this CHICK to their childcare provider in order for their child to be registered for the NCS. NCS subsidies can only be paid once a CHICK has been registered by a childcare provider, and the parent has confirmed on the NCS system that all details are correct.

The Scheme administrator has been instructed to contact the person (details supplied) to discuss the options available to them to apply for the NCS.