Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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1164. To ask the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if she will investigate a matter (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29205/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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For context, subsidies awarded under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) typically last 12 months. Every NCS award has an end-date which is clearly stated on the award. Applicants must renew their application before this end-date if they wish to continue receiving a subsidy for their child. If they do not renew, the award will expire and the subsidy payment will stop at the end date i.e. the service provider will no longer receive payments towards the cost of the child's place.

Six weeks prior to the expiry of an award, the applicant receives an email alert telling them that they have a notification on the portal. A further notification is sent during the renewal period, before the subsidy expiry date. These renewal reminders clearly state the date that the subsidy will end if not renewed and that the applicant may be liable for full fees if appropriate action is not taken.

For the applicant in question, the Scheme Administrator (Pobal) has confirmed that all system generated notifications issued correctly to the applicant.

The first notification was issued on 23 February 2025 as a reminder that the application had entered the renewal period - this was accompanied by an email with the subject line, 'You have a new notification on the National Childcare Scheme portal.' A further notification was issued on 23 March 2025 to the same effect, accompanied by an email with same subject as above.

The value that NCS subsidies offer to a family's finances is greatly understood and it is deeply regretted that the applicant did not renew prior to the subsidy expiry date hence missing out on funding. However, the Department must ensure, in so far as possible, the equitable treatment of all children and families who apply for subsidies under the NCS. In order to ensure objectivity and fairness, it is essential that clear rules exist for the Scheme and that they are applied evenly. The rules surrounding renewals are clearly called out in the Policy Guidelines, as well as specific renewal guides and supporting information available to parents on .

Parents seeking advice in relation to renewals, or any other issue specific to their NCS award, may avail of support offered by the Parent Support Centre. The Parent Support Centre can be reached on 01 906 8530.