Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 May 2026
191. Deputy Emer Currie asked the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality the total funding provided for the National Childcare Scheme for each year between 2019 and 2026; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [35560/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Childcare Scheme (NCS) provides financial support to help parents reduce the cost of early learning and childcare.
Subsidies are available for children aged between 24 weeks and 15 years of age.
The minimum rate available to all families in Ireland is €2.14 per hour, which is available for up to 45 weekly hours. Depending on the child's age and the family's income, an additional income assessed subsidy may be available to provide additional support. This subsidy can be as much as €5.10 per hour, also for up to 45 weekly hours.
For your information, please see the table below which details the total funding provided for NCS from 2019 to 2026. Please note that this table refers to the budget allocation provided.
NCS - Budget Allocations (Funding provided)
|
|
2019 |
* 2020 |
2021 |
* 2022 |
* 2023 |
* 2024 |
* 2025 |
2026 |
|
Budget Provided |
35,000,000 |
145,230,000 |
205,526,000 |
210,775,000 |
332,362,000 |
425,572,000 |
530,765,000 |
593,890,000 |
*Indicates years of Supplementary Budgets
