Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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453. To ask the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs when universal subsidy in the case of a person (details supplied) will issue to the crèche in question; if this matter can be rectified at an early date with a view to ensuring seamless transition when an increase in hours has been awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31548/20]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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While the National Childcare Scheme is an initiative of my Department, a Scheme Administrator has been engaged to manage the operation of the Scheme on the Department’s behalf. Pobal acts as this capacity as Scheme Administrator and it is their role to follow up on individual cases. My Department has referred this case to Pobal for appropriate follow up.

From the 7^thSeptember 2020, the maximum number of subsidised hours available under the NCS has increased from 40 to 45 hours per week. These additional hours were automatically added to all existing NCS awards, effective from the 7^thSeptember. Both the provider and the parent are required to take action to claim these hours as they are in all claims within the NCS

In August, an announcement issued to all childcare providers informing them of the upcoming change in hours, and that they should confirm with NCS parents in their service where these extra hours would be utilised.

Notifications also issued to all NCS applicants, advising them of the upcoming increase in hours and that they must take action in order to avail of these extra hours

Another notification issued to applicants after 7^thSeptember to confirm that more hours were now available to them and that they must liaise with their childcare provider to avail of these additional hours.

NCS subsidies can only be paid once an application is successfully completed, a ‘CHICK’ (Child Identifier Code) has been registered with a childcare provider, and the parent has confirmed on the system that all details are correct. It is a key aspect of the Scheme that all claims are paid in arrears based on the attendance of a child. This is a key financial and governance control to ensure we are maximising the benefits of public monies and that the investment is following the child.