Kathleen Funchion (Carlow-Kilkenny, Sinn Fein)
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404. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the details of the €132 million to be spent on measures for child care in the zero to six months, six months to three years of age, and after school care categories respectively, in tabular form; and when these payments will commence. [33236/17]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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I would note to the Deputy that these schemes are entirely demand led, any figures can only be estimated. The costs estimated by my Department in determining these figures have been based on the individual schemes which do not match with age cohorts described by the Deputy.

I understand that the Deputy is referencing the ACS figures provided in a separate PQ estimating that the full cost would be €150m with €132m for the targeted element. It is important to differentiate between the ACS and the more affordable childcare provisions being put in place from September. Notwithstanding this, I have put in place these measures to go some way to addressing the needs of childcare providers, parents and children pending the introduction of the ACS.

The cost of the enhancements to the existing provision will be met from within the allocation originally identified for ACS of €150m. These will include

- A new universal subsidy which will be available for all children aged between 6 months and 3 years of age (or until they are eligible for ECCE) in registered childcare. This will amount to as much as €80 a month or €1,040 per year for children in full time childcare.

- Subsidies provided under existing childcare schemes, specifically the Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) and Training and Employment Childcare (TEC) Schemes will be increased significantly, in some cases by as much as 50%. These schemes will benefit children from 0 months up to 15 years old.

The new rates and the universal subsidy will take effect from September 2017.