Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2025
761. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the percentage of sponsored CHICK's across community creche setting versus private operators.; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [65378/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help reduce the cost of early learning and childcare for parents. A component of the Scheme is a Sponsorship referral which makes special provision for vulnerable children.
The NCS Sponsorship arrangement allows designated bodies to refer children to the Scheme where childcare is needed on child welfare, protection, family support or other specified grounds. Where a referral is made by a Sponsor body, the family will automatically qualify for a subsidy without having to satisfy the Scheme’s eligibility, income or enhanced hours requirements. The Scheme will pay the full cost of the childcare for families referred to the Scheme by a Sponsor Body.
Year-to-date, a total of 10,302 children have received NCS Sponsorship. The majority of children availing of NCS Sponsorship attend Community services. The following table outlines the number of children in receipt of Sponsored Subsidies broken down by Service type (YTD).
|
Service Provider Type |
Number of Children |
% of Total |
|
Community |
6067 |
59% |
|
Private |
4465 |
43% |
|
*Total Distinct Children |
10302 |
|
*Please note the 'Total Distinct Children' may not equal to the individual totals according to Service Provider Type. This is because there may be children with multiple registrations across numerous providers. This is reflected in the % totals exceeding 100% of overall total.
