Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Aontú)
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900. To ask the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality to review the current means tests for the national childcare scheme (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62095/25]

Norma Foley (Kerry, Fianna Fail)
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The National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides both universal and targeted subsidies to reduce the cost of early learning and childcare for families. The scheme is progressive in nature, ensuring that the highest levels of subsidy are directed to those on lower incomes and those most in need. The total budget allocation for the NCS is €529.8 million in 2025.

Under the NCS, reckonable income is assessed using net family income (after tax, PRSI, and USC), and deducting any allowable items under the scheme. These include certain social welfare and related payments that:

• Facilitate participation in employment or self-employment and are time-limited,
• Support participation in education or training, or
• Assist with costs arising from exceptional family or personal circumstances.

If a family believes an error has been made in the calculation of their award, or if they require assistance in relation to their application, they are encouraged to contact the Parent Support Centre, whose details can be found at www.ncs.gov.ie.

Finally, in line with the ongoing commitment to ensuring the scheme operates effectively, an independent evaluation of the NCS will commence in the coming months. This evaluation will examine the scheme’s performance to date and identify potential enhancements to further support families and improve affordability, with a particular focus on those in the lowest income groups/most disadvantaged households.

It will include extensive consultation with parents, providers, and representative groups, as well as a review of national and international research and best practice. Any future policy changes will be informed by the findings of this process.