Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 January 2026
877. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the position regarding any review of the national childcare scheme to ensure that it is working for as many families as possible; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6028/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn evaluation of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) is due to commence in the coming weeks. This review will assess the performance of the Scheme to date and its operation within the wider early learning and childcare funding and policy environment. A Request for Tender for the evaluation was published in November 2025. A tenderer has been selected, and further details will be provided in the coming weeks.
The evaluation will examine whether the NCS, as part of the wider funding model, is making high-quality early learning and childcare more accessible and affordable, particularly for families in the lowest income groups and the most disadvantaged households.
It will also identify any improvements that could be made to enhance accessibility and affordability and to ensure that the Scheme is working for as many families as possible.
The findings of the evaluation will inform potential enhancements to the National Childcare Scheme to continue to support families with the cost of early learning and childcare, in line with Shaping the Future the recently published Early Years Action Plan.
