Pádraig O'Sullivan (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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373. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason for a reduction in the contribution to the ECCE scheme (details supplied); if this can be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33295/22]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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While the Deputy refers to the ECCE scheme I am informed the query relates to the National Childcare Scheme (NCS). 

The NCS is an initiative of my Department, the day to day operation of which is carried out by Pobal, in its role of NCS Scheme Administrator.

My Department has referred this query to Pobal, who have advised that the change to the subsidy award was based on changes in the total income, child’s age and education stage. The income figures were assessed on figures provided by Revenue and DEASP. The applicant has opted for a manual assessment, which will allow the applicant to provide their own proof of income which may differ from the figures provided by both Revenue and DEASP.

There is a dedicated support centre for parents who have queries in relation to the NCS. Parents can contact the Parent Support Centre on 01 906 8530, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, or to visit www.ncs.gov.ie

A number of extensions to the NCS were announced in the last Budget.  Firstly, from 2 May, the NCS no longer deducts hours spent in pre-school, or school, from NCS awards. This means that parents may use their full awarded subsidised NCS hours.

Secondly, from 22 August 2022, the upper age eligibility for the NCS Universal Award will change from 3 years to 15 years. This means that the minimum rate for an NCS Award will be raised to 50 cents for all children under 15, which for full time childcare equates to a parental subsidy of over €1, 100 per annum.