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

The total number of unique children availing of my Department's funded early learning and care ECCE, NCS and CCSP Saver Programmes in the calendar year 2024 are outlined in the table below.

Note that the sum of the children for each programme does not add to the total because there are children who were registered with more than one programme.

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

The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) sponsorship arrangement allows designated sponsor bodies to refer children to the Scheme on child welfare, protection, family support or other specified grounds. Where a child is referred to the Scheme, the full cost of the childcare place is paid without cost to the family.

The number of unique children benefitting from a successful Sponsorship claim so far this year is 5,139. This equates to a total value of €4,309,975 for successful claims in 2024, year-to-date.

The cost per child in receipt of Sponsorship will vary depending on factors including hours awarded and the age of the child. Each Sponsor Body will determine how much childcare is needed based on the family's circumstances and in line with their Agreement with the Department. The maximum amount of funded childcare available is 45 hours per week. The average weekly value of successful claims for Sponsored children is €90.60

Included below is a table which outlines the rates according to the child's age. It may be of interest to note that these rates are set to increase from September as part of Budget 2024 measures.