Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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706. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the number of families that are expected to avail of each band of subsidy under the affordable child care measures that is being introduced in September 2017. [32200/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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Given the considerable increase in subsidies, particularly through the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme (CCS) taking effect from September 2017, it is difficult to provide accurate estimates around uptake of the schemes.

However, looking at 16/17 figures may provide a broad indication of likely levels of uptake for the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme. From these figures (to date):

- 13,108 children have been registered under Band A

- 4,197 children have been registered under Band AJ

- 7,248 children have been registered under Band B

It is an anticipated that an extra 6000 children will register for targeted bands in 2017/18.

With effect from September 2017 a number of adjustments to the bands will take place including the division of Band B into a newly constituted Band B and Band D.

With regard to the new universal element an estimated 33,000 children from the age of 6 months up until they are eligible for ECCE may avail of a new universal non means-tested childcare subsidy, reducing the cost of childcare for these children by up to €1,040 per year.