Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein)
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319. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality of the additional 35,000 children anticipated to be supported in 2026 by the national childcare scheme, the portion which results from changes to our population size and demographic composition; the portion which results from new measures in Budget 2026 to shrink the number of children on waiting lists; the associated financial estimates arising from both, respectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [56109/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The additional 35,000 children anticipated to be supported in 2026 by the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is estimated based on current usage patterns applied to forecasted uptake of the scheme. This estimate forecasts a 14% existing level of service increase in the numbers of children benefitting from the NCS resulting in a €65 million or 12% increase on the 2025 Budget allocation.

The estimate does not result from changes in population and demographic composition. The additional uptake is anticipated to be supported through existing capacity as well as capacity anticipated to come on stream in September 2026 including through new and expanding Core Funded services.