The Single Affordable Childcare Scheme, announced in October 2016, aims to make childcare more affordable and accessible for families, by providing universal subsidies for all children under three years. The programme also includes targeted subsidies, based on net parental income, for all children from six-months to fifteen years old. Parents will apply for the subsidy using a new online portal, and it is proposed that Revenue and the Department of Social Protection share data on households to determine eligibility.  

We are delighted that the Government is prioritising childcare and working to ensure that all children, can access quality care that meets their developmental needs. Quality care and education for young children helps make society fairer through reducing social and economic disadvantage and strengthening equality. Meeting the education and care needs for the youngest in our society, while supporting parents’ choices, will help to ensure continued growth of our society as a whole.   

The Alliance’s submission on the scheme responds to the DCYA’s detailed policy paper published on 28 October 2016 which is available here: http://www.dcya.gov.ie/viewdoc.asp?fn=/documents/earlyyears/20161028PolicyPaper.pdf

The Children’s Rights Alliance’s vision for the SACS is that it is underpinned by children’s rights and that children benefit from the scheme.