Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
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513. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs the reason a person (details supplied) cannot access community childcare subvention and community childcare subvention plus schemes; the steps that can be taken to alleviate the person's situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46537/18]

Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent)
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The Community Childcare Subvention (CCS) and Community Childcare Subvention Plus (CCSP) Programmes provide support for parents/guardians on a low income to avail of reduced childcare costs at participating privately owned childcare services and at community not-for-profit childcare services.

The eligibility of the applying parent/guardian is determined by their status with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP). The level of the subvention is determined by the parent’s DEASP status and also by the level of childcare required. If a parent/guardian or child has a medical card this is also an eligibility criteria.

Please see the table attached which outlines the eligibility criteria and level of subvention for the CCS and CCSP schemes.

If the person named is in receipt of any of the DEASP payments listed in the table below and does not have a medical card, this may qualify them for childcare subvention under Band B of the CCS/CCSP schemes, this would mean a subsidy of up to €70 per week off their childcare costs.

If the person named were eligible for a medical card, then this along with the relevant DEASP payment may qualify them for Band A which would mean a subsidy of up to €145 per week off their childcare costs.

In the specific case raised by the Deputy, the individual in question does not currently meet these criteria. In the event that the person's circumstances change and she meets the requirements as set out she should again contact her chosen provider who can process an application on her behalf.  Individuals might also contact their local City and County Childcare Committee who will be able to assist in matters of childcare scheme eligibility.