Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am indicating that subsidies will increase in the 2019 budget. That does not mean that matters are being made considerably easier for parents in terms of the overall cost, but it does increase the level of support provided by the State. I agree with the Deputy and I am committed to seeking an increase in the subsidy, particularly for the age group in question. With the full establishment of the NCS from November, it will be much easier to invest the money for particular ages and it will be easier to increase the subsidy. The system being set up will be more streamlined. With all of the subsidisation, which will be continued, those families with the least will get the most.

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