Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 November 2022
114. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if the proposed reforms to the national childcare scheme will take effect from January 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56978/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra127. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the way and when parents can avail of the indicated 25% average reduction in childcare fees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56908/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 114 and 127 together.
Budget 2023 introduced further enhancements to the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) which come into effect on 2 January 2023. This will see an increase in the minimum subsidy from 50c to €1.40, which translates to up to €63.00 off families’ weekly bill for early learning and childcare per child. This measure aims to reduce the average co-payment paid by families to providers by 25%.
For those in receipt of the universal subsidy they will see their subsidy increased from 50c per hour to €1.40. For those in receipt of income assessed subsidies, it will mean that any family who is not already at the maximum hourly subsidy will see an increase in their subsidy (see table below). For those who have an award less than the maximum subsidy, the amount of the increase will taper down as they approach the maximum hourly subsidy.
Maximum Income Assessed Subsidy
|
24 weeks to 12 months |
€5.10 |
|
Child’s age |
Per Hour |
|
12 to 35 months |
€4.35 |
|
3 years or older and not yet in school |
€3.95 |
|
School age (or 6 years to 15 years) |
€3.75 |
The new rate will automatically be updated for families with existing awards, where applicable, and they will be notified when this happens.
Parents wishing to apply for the first time can use their MyGovID at ncs.gov.ie. Alternatively, parents may contact the NCS Parent Support Centre on 01 906 8530 to make a paper application. Once the application is approved, parents will be awarded a unique code called a Childcare Identifier Code Key (CHICK) which they must bring to the childcare provider of their choice. The provider will use the CHICK and the child’s information to register the child for the NCS and once the parents have confirmed the hours of childcare are correct, the subsidy will start to be applied. For more information on eligibility and subsidies available, parents can visit ncs.gov.ie.
