Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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60. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the affordable child care scheme will be available to parents from September 2017 through an online information technology system; the supports being developed for parents with the application to ensure that the support is not requested from the already over-burdened early years practitioners; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7022/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I acknowledge the concern of both parents and childcare providers who are understandably anxious to receive further information about the roll-out of the Affordable Childcare Scheme. The Scheme is being introduced to an ambitious timeframe, and my officials are working hard to ensure that all necessary steps are taken to introduce the Scheme on time.

The Affordable Childcare Scheme will commence in September 2017. The timeframe is ambitious, and it is possible that there may not be a fully automated system by then. However, officials from my Department and staff of Pobal are working intensively to make sure an initial IT system is in operation by September.

This system is being designed so as to minimise the administrative burden on both parents and childcare providers. Full information on the Scheme will be made available well in advance of September, and a range of supports will be provided to help both parents and childcare providers manage the transition to the new Scheme.