Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

43. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs her plans to assist parents burdened with high childcare costs in view of the fact that the subsidy for childcare introduced in September 2017 was unsuccessful in the sense that many creches raised prices in conjunction with the scheme; and if the new version of the affordable childcare plan will be in place by September 2018. [18605/18]

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

The Pobal annual survey on childcare conducted on behalf of my Department provides extensive and very useful data on childcare fees. This survey showed that the average cost of childcare in Ireland rose by 4% or €7 per week last year, which is well below the €20 per week on offer through the newly introduced universal subsidy and significantly lower than the €145 per week, per child, subventions to families most in need.  Fees for part-time childcare actually showed a slight reduction.

On becoming Minister for Children and Youth Affairs I committed to improving the accessibility, affordability and quality of childcare in Ireland and although there is much yet to be achieved, I am happy with significant progress made on these fronts over the past year.

The universal subsidy, worth up to €1,040 per year for children under three in registered childcare is now being availed of by 35,588 children. Targeted supports for lower income families are being availed of by 38,680 children.  My Department has exceeded our target of a total of 70,000 children by 4,268 and these numbers will continue to rise until the end of the program year.

Notwithstanding this, I understand that any rise in childcare fees is a very significant matter for families and that childcare fees continue to represent far too high a proportion of family income. The new subsidies introduced last September will remain in place until we complete the development of the new Affordable Childcare Scheme which, as I have briefed Deputies on previously, should be introduced in 2019. This scheme will mark a major milestone in making childcare more affordable. 

I remain strongly committed to continuing to make childcare more affordable for families whilst at the same time supporting the early years workforce to provide a high quality service.