Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 May 2026
313. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality if creches can refuse children who are included in the vulnerable child sponsorship scheme; the options available to parents who are refused a placement under this scheme; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [38493/26]
View answerThe National Childcare Scheme (NCS) includes a sponsorship arrangement whereby designated sponsor bodies may refer vulnerable children for childcare support on child welfare, protection, family support or related grounds. Childcare providers participating in the NCS agree to comply with the Scheme’s contractual requirements. Separately, Core Funding Partner Services are required to offer the NCS (including income assessed, universal and in particular sponsorship arrangements) to all eligible children within the age range catered for by that service.
A provider should not refuse or exclude a child solely because that child is supported through NCS sponsorship and should apply the Scheme in accordance with their contractual obligations. However, it should be noted that providers may refuse a placement for reasons unrelated to a child’s sponsorship status–for instance, where there are no places available in that service.
Where a parent believes that a placement has been refused solely on the basis of sponsorship status, they should contact their local City/County Childcare Committee (CCC). The CCCs coordinate the implementation of national early learning and childcare policy and programmes, including NCS, at a local level on behalf of the Department. Not only are the CCCs best placed to advise parents as to how they should proceed but they may also provide support and assistance to families in identifying alternative childcare places.
Families may also use the NCS childcare search facility, on www.ncs.gov.ie/en/, to identify participating providers in their area that offer the Scheme.
