Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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310. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the new affordable child care scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14507/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I can offer an assurance that any parent who is currently in receipt of a targeted childcare subsidy (either the Community Childcare Subvention or one of the Training and Employment Childcare programmes) and who remains eligible for one of those schemes will not see a reduction in their subsidy rate. Transition arrangements for the Affordable Childcare Scheme will include a "saver" provision under which beneficiaries under the existing schemes at the time of transition will, if the new scheme would result in a lower subsidy, continue to benefit from their existing subsidy for a transitional period.

I am very conscious of the pressures that both parents and childcare providers are under, and of the importance of having sufficient notice for any changes to childcare subsidies. My officials are working intensively, as are staff of Pobal, to ensure that the transition to the full Affordable Childcare Scheme happens as quickly and smoothly as possible, and that full information is available to parents and providers. I expect to be in a position to provide more information on the transition in the coming weeks, and supports will be provided to ensure that parents and providers are aware of changes that will affect them.