Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 May 2026
874. Deputy Grace Boland asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the steps being taken to reduce the administrative burden on childcare providers arising from NCS registration, CHICK number expiry and funding changes, which divert staff time away from direct work with children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37043/26]
View answerProviders set up a National Childcare Scheme (NCS) claim for each child in their care using their Childcare Identifier Code Key (CHICK), which should be provided to them by the child's family. A CHICK will typically have a duration of 12 months, though a minority of CHICK may have a six month expiry date. The details of this claim must then be confirmed by the parent. If for some reason the child's claim needs to be amended, for example because the family require less or more hours, then further action will be necessary, but if not this will only need to be done when the CHICK is about to expire. This is a key financial and governance control to ensure that Exchequer funding is used responsibly.
If a family's financial situation has changed, and they apply for a new CHICK, for example switching to an income assessed CHICK from a universal one, then a provider would also need to set up a new claim. In these circumstances, if necessary, providers can receive support from the Scheme Administrator's Early Years Provider Centre (EYPC). The EYPC can be reached for support by calling 01 511 7222 or by email at EYPC@pobal.ie , Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (10am to 5pm on Wednesday).
If there is a change to the overall funding received by applicants across the scheme, for example, through a budget change increasing the hourly NCS rate, then Pobal, the Scheme Administrator, will ensure that all providers receive notification of the upcoming changes. Existing claims will not need to be amended, with updates to the hourly rate being provided through the system.
In relation to the administrative burden the NCS places on providers more generally, Simplify and Support was launched on the 17th December 2025. This Action Plan has been informed by an independent review by Indecon Economic Consultants and as well as regional consultation events attended by over 400 stakeholders.
Its development was supported by a Working Group of officials from the Department, City/County Childcare Committees and Pobal and an Advisory Group of provider, educator/practitioner and parent representatives.
It delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to reduce the administrative burden on early learning and childcare providers. This Action Plan responds to these issues by setting out the steps to be taken- in the short, medium and long term - to reduce administration and simplify regulatory requirements in this sector. A number of actions committed to under the Plan will be of interest to the Deputy, including the commitments to:
• Review administrative tasks associated with the programmes and schemes and identify opportunities for automation, rationalisation, elimination and/or standardisation; and
• Introduce a long-term CHICK under the NCS.
The Department will also soon commence an evaluation of the NCS. This will include consultation and engagement with parents, educators and representative organisations. This evaluation will examine how the NCS is performing currently and identify ways in which the NCS can better support families. As part of this evaluation, the hours-based model of the NCS and the CHICK renewal process will be reviewed.
