Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 October 2022
117. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the funding for early learning in childcare to be provided by his Department in 2023 could also be made available to those parents whose childcare provider is not registered with the national childcare scheme; the options that are available to such parents to avail of the State support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50369/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department has secured a landmark €1.025 billion in funding under Budget 2023 for early learning and childcare. This includes additional funding of €121m for the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) which has been allocated to reduce average parental co-payments for early learning and childcare by 25%.
From 2 January 2023, all families accessing registered early learning and childcare will receive a minimum hourly NCS subsidy of €1.40.
In September 2022, there were 69,485 children in receipt of a subsidy under the NCS. The Scheme calculates and awards subsidies to parents, which are paid directly to their childcare provider once correctly registered.
The actual subsidy payment is based on the hours agreed between the parent and the provider, and claimed on the NCS system. All claims are paid in arrears based on the attendance of a child. As such the child must be registered with a childcare provider and the provider must confirm that attendance.
Given the substantial public monies involved and the importance of meeting the scheme's important policy goals providers must register with Tusla under section 58C of the Child Care Act 1991.
There must be a Funding Agreement in force between the Minister and the childcare service provider. The agreement includes important governance items on fees, opening hours and service calendar, attendance, declarations and compliance
A list of approved providers offering the National Childcare Scheme is maintained on the National Childcare Scheme website (www.ncs.gov.ie)
As per the 2022 Programme Call, the number of early learning and childcare providers that are currently contracted and available to offer the NCS is 3,279. It must be noted that early learning and childcare providers are private businesses. As such, it is a matter for each provider to decide whether they enter into any contractual arrangement with the Department - including for the NCS. It is, however, open to all registered early learning and childcare providers to opt in to contract on an annual basis to participate in this Scheme.
I appreciate the difficulties caused when a parent’s preferred early learning and childcare provider does not engage with the NCS. However, the NCS has been designed to be flexible so that parents can access their award through any early learning and childcare providers that are registered to provide the Scheme - including any Tusla registered childminder and school age childcare services. The CHICK number, which unlocks the subsidy award, can be used in any registered service contracted to deliver the NCS.
Parents who require support sourcing a place for their child should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee – the details of which may be found on myccc.ie.
