Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
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592. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs if the HIVE and CHICK registration process will be reformed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25358/20]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The National Childcare Scheme has been in place since November 2019 and since that time over 62,000 awards have been generated for parents. The vast majority (around 97%) of these have been through the online process.

The online application process for the NCS has been designed to be accessible, intuitive and user-friendly.

The scheme also recognises that some people will have English or IT challenges. Parents who experience literacy difficulties or issues with internet access can contact their local Childcare Committee (CCC) who will be able to assist them in completing their NCS application. All CCCs have received extensive training on the NCS, and their role is to support parents in their communities as well as ELC and SAC services.

Multiple stakeholder and interest groups were consulted in the development of the NCS to ensure that the scheme would be as accessible as possible. Information for parents about the Scheme has been developed in a number of languages, which can assist parents in making their NCS application. These materials can be accessed here:

Parents who are not able or do not wish to engage with the online application process can avail of the option to apply using the paper application form. Parents using this option will have no interaction with the online NCS system, the application will be managed for them by the NCS Parent Support Centre. The Parent Support Centre will support and guide them through the process.

Parents can call 01 906 8530 for more information and to arrange for the correct application form to be sent to them. Parents can also find contact details for their local CCCs at myccc.ie or from calling the number above.

My Department with the scheme administrator will be reviewing the accessibility of our systems on an ongoing basis. The system is defined to be future proofed and open to ongoing development responding to the needs of both parents and providers.