Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 September 2021
762. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the number of children in each of the age categories supported under NCS; and the cost per child in each of those age categories. [42327/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe introduction of the National Childcare Scheme was a landmark moment for making high quality childcare more affordable and accessible to families in Ireland.
There are two subsidies available under the NCS. The universal subsidy is available to all families with children aged between 24 weeks and 36 months (or until the child qualifies for the Early Childhood Care and Education programme if later). The universal subsidy is based on the child’s age, and is not means tested. This subsidy provides up to €22.50 per week.
The income assessed subsidy is available to families with children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years with a reckonable income below €26,000. Subsidy rates are based on the child’s age and education stage, and taper downwards from €5.10 per hour.
The table below outlines the number of children in each of the age categories supported under the NCS and the average weekly cost as of July 2021.
|
Age Bracket |
No. of Children |
Average Weekly Value |
|
Under 12 months |
1,373 |
€79.89 |
|
1-2 years |
9,528 |
€55.67 |
|
2-3 years |
12,698 |
€62 |
|
3-4 years |
9,347 |
€63.36 |
|
4-5 years |
4,693 |
€81.16 |
|
5-6 years |
2,991 |
€77.60 |
|
6-7 years |
2,119 |
€77.41 |
|
7-8 years |
1,605 |
€76.84 |
|
8-9 years |
1,192 |
€75.47 |
|
9-10 years |
959 |
€73.98 |
|
10-11 years |
679 |
€78.90 |
|
11-12 years |
428 |
€77.46 |
|
12-13 years |
229 |
€81.55 |
|
13-14 years |
56 |
€86.88 |
|
14-15 years |
13 |
€100.09 |
|
Total |
44,934 |
€66.24 |
