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

We will take a look at that. Some of the questions in that regard come in the absence of people understanding how the new scheme will impact their particular family. Subsidisation will differ according to the age, number and supervision requirements of children, as well as what is accounted for in terms of net income. A great deal of consideration went into the setting of the threshold at €47,500. Obviously, the subsidisation decreases as one moves up the threshold but the threshold was set to ensure it captured people in the lower and middle income brackets. It is important to ensure affordability in that regard. One of the priorities is to keep the money towards the lower end. It will become more apparent as time goes by how this will impact families in their own particular circumstance. This is just a first step on a new path. I am determined to look for ways to ensure that we can increase this funding in years to come. This scheme has been well thought out. It is research based and evidence based such that it will be the most targeted and efficient way to value caring for our children in all contexts and thus supporting all families.