Claire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein)
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117. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if sponsored children under the national childcare scheme are getting the full 45 hours a week that is universally given under the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45318/24]

Roderic O'Gorman (Dublin West, Green Party)
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The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help reduce the cost of early learning and childcare for parents. A component of the Scheme is a Sponsorship referral which makes special provision for vulnerable children.

The NCS Sponsorship arrangement allows designated bodies to refer children to the Scheme where childcare is needed on child welfare, protection, family support or other specified grounds. Where a referral is made by a Sponsor body, the family will automatically qualify for a subsidy without having to satisfy the Scheme’s eligibility, income or enhanced hours requirements.

The Scheme will pay the full cost of childcare for families referred to the Scheme by a Sponsor Body. A maximum of 45 weekly hours is available under Sponsorship. However, the actual hours awarded are determined by the referring Sponsorship Body based on the family’s individual circumstances and childcare requirements.

Year-to-date, a total of 7,982 children have benefitted from NCS Sponsorship. The average hours awarded according to each Sponsorship Body is as follows:

Finally, it may be of interest to note that as of September 2024, the hourly rates for NCS Sponsorship have been increased. Sponsored children will now receive a rate of €5.30, or €5.87, depending on their age and educational stage. Further details on the Scheme, including sponsorship, may be found on .