Roderic O’Gorman, Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, announced that more than 105,000 children are now benefitting from the National Childcare Scheme a 95% increase in the same period in 2022.
Since January 2, the minimum hourly subsidy under the scheme for all children under 15 is €1.40, an increase of €0.90 per hour compared to the year prior.
For families using Tusla-registered early learning and childcare, this subsidy increase represents further cost reductions of up to €2,106 (or a reduction of up to €3,326 in total) off the annual cost of early learning and childcare for each child.
The changes are backed by €121 million secured in Budget 2023, bringing the total scheme funding to €358 million.
Katie, whose child attends Oasis Childcare Centre in Freshford, County Kilkenny, commented on the news and said, “Without the National Childcare Scheme, I would not have been able to go to work as the cost of childcare would cancel out my wages… I would highly recommend national Childcare Scheme to all parents.”
Welcoming today’s announcement, Minister O’ Gorman said, “This government is delivering on its promise to make high-quality early learning and childcare more affordable for families and accessible to all children.
“We have seen huge demand for the National Childcare Scheme since the increase in subsidies was announced as part of Budget 2023, as part of the government’s €1 billion investment in early learning and childcare for 2023.”
The minister is encouraging all eligible families to avail of the supports by visiting www.ncs.gov.ie, calling the Parent Support Centre on 01 906 8530 or talking to their early learning and childcare provider.
The National Childcare Scheme supports many families who would otherwise struggle to meet the cost of early learning and childcare. Increasing female labour force participation has been identified by the ESRI as a crucial step in meeting targets to reduce child poverty, and potentially the policy intervention with the largest impact on groups at risk of poverty.