Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1971. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the status of the universal child care subsidy; if the €20 a week will be available from September 2017; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28927/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

On 11 April, I made an announcement that the Affordable Childcare Scheme would not commence this September but that a range of measures will be introduced by my Department to make childcare more affordable for thousands of families throughout Ireland. This honours a key commitment in the Programme for Government. I can confirm that these measures, which will benefit the families of tens of thousands of children, will commence this September.

As part of these new measures, a new universal subsidy will be available for all children aged between 6 months and 3 years of age (or until they qualify for ECCE if later than 36 months) in registered childcare. This will amount to as much as €20 a week or €1,000 per year for children in full time childcare.