3,807 children in Clare received subsidies towards the cost of their childcare under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) in 2023, with almost €7.5 million paid to early learning and childcare providers in the county to reduce parents’ fees.
Officials in the Department of Children have advised that many families are missing out on the scheme which can cut thousands off childcare bills.
Minister for Children, Roderic O’Gorman (GP) has urged parents in Clare using Tusla-registered childcare services to make sure they are getting their full entitlement to subsidies, which could cut thousands of euros off their childcare bills each year.
In a statement to The Clare Echo, the Minister said, “With the Easter holidays approaching, many families will be looking for further childcare cover. While thousands of parents are receiving subsidies, many will be unaware they can use their subsidy for more hours than usual during mid-term and holidays, or even to cover one-off camps”.
Almost 4,000 providers across Ireland are eligible for the subsidy. “I would strongly encourage all parents or guardians to talk their provider about their subsidies and extra hours over the holiday period if needed. Parents who want to explore using a childcare provider for the first time can talk to their local county childcare Committee”.
Currently, the minimum hourly subsidy is €1.40 an hour and it will be increasing to €2.14 in September. This will mean families using full time care (45 hours a week) will receive a minimum of €5,000 euro a year off their bill per child. Many Families can receive an Income Assessed Award, which is based on household income, which can be as high €12,000 per year for those using full-time care.
Information on how to apply for the NCS is available at www.NCS.gov.ie.
Families who want some more support in how to apply can contact the Clare County Childcare Committee. Childcare Committees are a local government funded support designed to help families access childcare supports.
Yvonne Broderick from Clare County Childcare Committee, said, “The NCS has been a huge benefit for parents in Clare, a scheme which is continuing to enhance supports, making childcare more affordable and accessible for families. Anyone with any questions about the NCS is welcome to contact us on 065 6864862 for assistance”.
