Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 2 December 2020
101. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the NCS is extremely complicated and creates a large amount of paperwork for providers in ascertaining the amount parents have to pay and the levels of subsidy they will receive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40720/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Childcare Scheme launched in November 2019. It represents the first statutory entitlement to supports for childcare costs in Ireland. 2,938 childcare providers are contracted to provide the NCS in their service.
The introduction of the NCS removed the administrative burden from childcare providers of applying for childcare supports on a parent’s behalf. Parents now apply to the Scheme directly, and only approach childcare providers once they have completed their application and have a CHICK to register.
The NCS pays subsidies based on the hours of care agreed between the provider and the parent, up to the maximum hours awarded to the parent. Childcare providers are not required to change their policies or operations.
When a subsidy award is generated under the NCS, all elements of the award are visible. It is possible to view each stage that an award will change during the year, whether from a change in the child’s education stage, or if the award will change on the child’s birthday.
Childcare services do not have to calculate this throughout the year, as it is made visible at the beginning of the award. Childcare providers are therefore able to plan for the coming year and inform parents of the dates at which their co-payments will change.
The systems supporting the NCS are under continuous review and enhancement. My officials have engaged with providers to support this ongoing enhancement. My officials are specifically looking at tools to assist providers in managing parental copayments.
