Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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494. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the total number of children availing of the national childcare subsidy in 2022 and 2023, and the total cost in 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7698/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help parents meet the cost of childcare. It is available to families with children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years who are attending any participating Tusla registered childcare service, including any Tusla registered childminder.

The success of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) in meeting families needs is evidenced through the increased level of participation in the Scheme. In 2023, a total of 181,786 unique children benefitted from a successful NCS claim - a 47% increase on the previous year.

A further breakdown, including the total value of claims, is detailed in tabular form below.