Bríd Smith (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
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40. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the provision that is being provided to assist parents who use childminders or relatives in view of the fact that the majority of children are minded by local childminders or relatives, and considering the Growing Up in Ireland ESRI report which confirmed that children minded by childminders and relatives have fewer emotional difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33541/16]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The recent research by the ESRI, entitled "Childcare, Early Education and Socio-Emotional Outcomes at Age 5" provided a number of useful insights into modes of childcare provision - while the deputy is correct that this found that children minded by childminders and non-parent relatives at age three had fewer socio-emotional difficulties than children cared for by their parents only, this effect was small. The study found that childcare type-and hours explain only 1% of the variance or difference in children's scores on the tests used.

In the best interests of children (and families) the new Single Affordable Childcare Scheme intends to make subsidies payable to services that are quality assured. Currently Tusla provides quality assurance for childcare services under the statutory registration and inspection regime.

Childminders who mind three or fewer pre-school children in the childminder's own home are exempt from the Child Care Regulations, and are thus not subject to inspection by Tusla. In order to meet the needs of parents whose preference is to use a childminder, and to build capacity to cater for increased demand in future years, the Department has commenced talks with Childminding Ireland (CMI) in recent months to explore a number of options around how quality can be assured within the childminding sector.

A working group has been established, chaired by CMI, and including officials from Tusla and the DCYA, to make recommendations on reforms for the sector including proposals in relation to quality assurance, whether on a voluntary/non-statutory basis in the short term, or on a mandatory/statutory basis in the long term. These will include recommendations in relation to childminders who are exempt from registration with Tusla (those minding three or fewer pre-school children, or those minding school age children only). The recommendations received are likely to include proposals to be progressed in the short, medium and long term, including the development of National Quality Standards for childminders and a proportionate system of quality assurance and regulation.

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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In line with the principle of progressive universalism, the new Affordable Childcare Scheme will encompass both universal and targeted elements which can be incrementally expanded over time. International evidence indicates that systems based on universalism are associated with lower rates of child poverty and deliver better outcomes for allchildren, with disadvantaged children benefitting more when services are provided within a universal programme design. Progressive universalism further recognises the importance of the provision of additional support to those with the greatest need.

The new scheme is highly progressive overall, with eligibility based on net parental income and the highest levels of support offered to those on the lowest incomes. It is more equitable and accessible than the current targeted subsidy programmes, under which many low-income families are not currently able to access subsidised childcare because of the requirement to be in receipt of certain state benefits or attending certain training programmes. It will also enhance affordability, offering greater levels of support overall to low income families than the current targeted schemes. For example, a person in receipt of the maximum level of subsidy under the current Community Childcare Scheme (by far the largest of the current targeted schemes) might face a weekly co-payment of €89 per week. Under the new scheme, a person in receipt of the maximum rate of subsidy might be expected to face an average weekly co-payment of €12 per week.

The universal subsidy for children under 3 recognises the fact that the cost of childcare is generally highest when children are under 3 years of age and this cost can push many parents out of the labour market when paid maternity leave ends. This higher cost is due to both the hours of care required (i.e. notably longer than afterschool care needs) and the underlying cost of providing quality childcare for very young children. Recent reports also suggest that cost and sustainability issues are affecting the availability of childcare places for children under 3 years. The Government commitment to provide a universal subsidy for this age cohort, as well as to provide higher rates of targeted subsidy, recognises and responds to these issues.

Finally, the Deputy has also asked about families above the income cut-off for targeted subsidies. Of course, all targeted schemes, by their nature, have thresholds and cut-off points. However, the new Affordable Childcare Scheme is designed to be flexible, with the ability to adjust income thresholds, subsidy rates and income taper rates, over time and as further Government investment becomes available.