Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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1341.To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth the reason a childcare subsidy is not available to child care providers where parents only need childcare for a portion of the week due to part-time work commitments or long-shift work over three days per week; whether he intends bringing in more flexibility to the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[34176/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The flexibility requested by the Deputy is already a key aspect of the NCS scheme.

There is no restriction on parents availing of a National Childcare Scheme (NCS) subsidy if they are only utilising childcare for a portion of the week. The number of subsidised hours available to a parent can be used as needed across a week.

The NCS is designed to be flexible and acknowledge that childcare needs differ widely across different families and work patterns. A core aspect of the design of the NCS is that parents and providers agree the number of hours of early learning and childcare that is required across a week. The subsidy amount reflects those agreed hours.

It should also be noted that services are private entities and it is open to them to decide what level of service is offered to parents including session types (part-time, full-time, part-week etc). In some instances services may choose not to offer part-time provision.

An independent evaluation of the NCS will begin this year which, amongst other things, will look at how the current set of rules are functioning and will identify any enhancements that can be introduced.

If any parent requires advice on the NCS or suitable early learning and childcare provision, they are advised to contact their local County or City Childcare Committee. Contact details are available at myccc.ie.