Childcare Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 June 2023

Tuesday, 13 June 2023

Questions (1075)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

1075. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth if a child's absence by virtue of illness will impact on their qualification for receipt of the NCS grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27986/23]

Written answers

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The National Childcare Scheme is designed to be flexible and acknowledge that childcare needs differ widely across different families. NCS subsidies are awarded as an hourly rate, along with a maximum number of weekly hours that the subsidy will be paid for. The actual subsidy payment is based on the hours agreed between the parent and provider, and claimed by the provider on the NCS system. Given the large amount of public money that is invested by the Exchequer in funding the Scheme, this ensures an appropriate level of oversight and accountability.

A certain level of under-attendance is permitted under the NCS. The Scheme recognises that there are many reasons why a child's attendance may occasionally be less than their agreed hours due to, for example, illness or appointments - or a parent being able to collect their child earlier than usual. The subsidy is not affected if parents collect their children earlier on occasion, or if a child misses a week or two due to illness. The attendance rules relate to circumstances where a child is continuously absent from a service, or not fully using the agreed place over a prolonged period. These rules are intended to reflect the realities of family life in a child-centred, fair and proportionate manner.

Where a child is not fully using the agreed place, the NCS allows for an eight-week cycle of continued under-attendance. As long as the under-attendance is broken by one full week of attendance for the agreed hours, the subsidy will remain unchanged. The Scheme also provides for particular exemptions to the attendance rules under certain circumstances to allow for extended absences up to 12 weeks in exceptional circumstances, including a prolonged illness.