Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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1876. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will consider reviewing the national childcare scheme to allow for some flexibility in the operation of the scheme, particularly in relation to the hours children are required to stay at a facility (details supplied). [20070/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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Many families avail of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) as a way to reduce the cost of their early learning and childcare.

NCS subsidies are awarded as an hourly rate, along with a maximum number of weekly hours that the subsidy will be paid for.

It is between the parent and provider to agree on the hours of childcare based on the family's requirements.

It also important to note that it is a matter for the provider as to what flexibilities they offer with regard to fees charged for services not required by the parent.

This said, the rules of the Scheme are designed to be very flexible, and I recognise that there are many reasons why a child’s attendance may be occasionally less than their agreed hours. For instance, as the question details, a parent may be able to collect their child earlier than usual on occasion. To be clear, this will not affect their award, or the subsidy received. It is only if continual under-attendance is recorded for a consecutive 12 weeks will the award be revised.

In full detail, if a child attends fewer than their agreed hours for a consecutive 8-week period, a warning will issue to the parent alerting them to the situation. At this point, if the child attends their agreed hours for a full week after this warning is issued, then no further action is taken.

It is only if the under-attendance continues for a further four weeks, the number of subsidised hours awarded under the Scheme will be revised to reflect the average number of hours that were actually attended by the child over the previous 12-week period.

This is a key financial and governance control to ensure that Exchequer funding is used responsibly striking balance between the efficient and effective use of public funds and the realities of family life.

Finally, I would note that my Department will soon commence an evaluation of the NCS. This will include consultation and engagement with parents, educators and representative organisations. This evaluation will examine how the NCS is performing currently and identify ways in which the NCS can better support families. As part of this evaluation, the hours-based model of the NCS will be reviewed.