Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1284. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the estimated additional costs for increasing ECCE hours from three to six; the estimated cost for every additional ECCE week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44228/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe cost to the Exchequer of increasing the payment to providers to ECCE hours from three to six would be additional €265 million per year. This assumes that usage would remain constant.
It is estimated that each additional week beyond the existing 38 weeks provided for 3 hours a day would be €7 million per week.
These figures are based on current year estimated usage and does not factor in any growth in uptake in provision arising from the response to Ukraine.
It should be noted that changes to business models, premises, planning permission and employment arrangements may impact the potential for providers to deliver additional hours. The costing assumes all current providers will immediately be in a position to expand. In addition, there would be an increase in costs to the support structures provided for by the Department.
