Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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728. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if she will review the qualifying thresholds for the NCS scheme, given that families earning just over €60,000 are entitled to the same discount as the highest earners on €100,000 and above; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37294/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The National Childcare Scheme provides financial support to help parents to meet the cost of childcare and allow children to access Early Learning and School Age Childcare. The subsidies are progressive in nature. All families can receive a universal subsidy, but the highest subsides are provided to families with the lowest levels of income through an income assessment process.

Also, the NCS sponsorship subsidy allows designated bodies to refer children to early learning and childcare on child welfare, protection, family support or other specified grounds. This childcare place is funded by the Department without charge to the family.

Significant investment has been made in the NCS in recent years with over €529m allocated in Budget 2025. This investment has allowed my Department to further improve affordability for parents through the Scheme. Enhancements have included the extension of the universal subsidy to all children under 15 years of age, and two increases to the minimum hourly subsidy, which is now worth a minimum of €96.30 per week for 45 hours. The sponsorship subsidy was also increased to €5.30 per hour for children over 1.

In addition, since September 2024 childminders have been able to register with Tusla and take part in the National Childcare Scheme, and families who use childminders are therefore also now able to benefit from National Childcare Scheme subsidies.

An evaluation of the NCS is due to start this year. This evaluation will review how the Scheme has performed to date and identify potential enhancements that could be made to better support families. The income assessed subsidy will be examined as part of this evaluation. Any changes to the NCS will be informed by a thorough review of international literature and comprehensive stakeholder engagement.