Ruairí Ó Murchú (Louth, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

156. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the results of the survey of providers and parents and the data gathered in respect of the review of the national childcare scheme; his recent engagements with the sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48615/21]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Section 26 of the Childcare Support Act 2018provides for a review of the operation of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) to commence 12 months after the first payment of subsidies under the scheme. The 12 month review, which commenced at the end of March 2021, is an independent assessment of the implementation and impacts of the NCS during its first year of operation.

Primary evidence collection for the review took place throughout May and June 2021, during the information gathering process of the review. The data collection exercise included a number of surveys. This included a survey of parents who had applied to the NCS, which generated 3,116 responses. A survey of providers contracted to offer the NCS, generated 968 responses and a survey of providers not contracted to offer the NCS generating 238 responses.

The process also included a comprehensive review of engagements, correspondence and submissions made with regard to the NCS since its inception.

The report is in the final stages of completion by the consultant tasked with the review of the NCS and it is intended that the report will be submitted to the houses of the Oireachtas in Q.4 of this year.

An analysis of the survey results will be included in the review report of the NCS once it has been finalised.

The review, once completed, will provide an opportunity for my Department and me to consider how the NCS meets its policy objectives, of improved children's outcomes, parental engagement in work or study and reduced child poverty, and support those most in need in the best evidence informed manner.