Launch of the ‘National Childcare Scheme’ marks a watershed moment for childcare in Ireland

  1. Home
  2. Resources
  3. Launch of the ‘National Childcare Scheme’ marks a watershed moment for childcare in Ireland
Published date: 
11 Mar 2019

PRESS RELEASE: For immediate release

Launch of the ‘National Childcare Scheme’ marks a watershed moment for childcare in Ireland

Today the Children’s Rights Alliance welcomes the launch of the ‘National Childcare Scheme’ by the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone TD.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Tanya Ward, Chief Executive of the Children’s Rights Alliance said that: “The launch of the National Childcare Scheme is an important step to ensure that all children can avail of quality early childhood education and care. Families are completely hamstrung with the cost of childcare and for far too long too many children have missed out on the opportunity to take up a childcare place because their parents cannot afford it. The new National Childcare Scheme will provide a universal subsidy for all children and this is very welcome."

Tanya Ward continued: “The Government made a significant investment of €574 million in Budget 2019 to get this scheme off the ground and by the end of this year we hope to see the fruits of that investment with even more children availing of childcare subsidies. In 2018 we saw more than 72,000 children avail of a subsidy through the interim measures put in place. This is all very positive in moving towards a childcare system that is fit for purpose, that supports working parents and provides them with choices. However, most importantly it will ensure that children can access quality early learning and care that can be so important for their development”.

ENDS

Contact: Saoirse Brady Tel: 01-6629400 Email: saoirse@childrensrights.ie

Notes to Editor:

  • Tanya Ward is available for interview.
  • A dedicated website on the Scheme has been set up and can be found here.

About the Children’s Rights Alliance
Founded in 1995, the Children’s Rights Alliance unites over 100 members working together to make Ireland one of the best places in the world to be a child. Further information is available at: www.childrensrights.ie or on Twitter, @ChildRightsIRL