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The number of children supported by targeted childcare schemes aimed at the less well-off has reached unprecedented levels following a huge upturn in the past month, according to Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone.
The jump is being attributed to a national information campaign ahead of childcare changes starting in September.
Confirming that 2,500 additional children are now receiving support - bringing these numbers up to over 30,000, Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone said “This is just the beginning. Soon up to 70,000 children will have extra benefits and supports.”
It has also been confirmed that more than half of childcare services are already signing up to offer the State’s childcare schemes.
Confirming the figures Minister Zappone said:
“The first big step to accessible affordable quality childcare is now being taken. These initial figures are hugely encouraging. It is clear our message is getting through as parents check out their entitlements at www.affordablechildcare.ie.
The increase in children assessing targeted supports over the month alone when compared to the same period last year shows that children are now accessing benefits which their families previously did not know about. So already the impact is being felt.
2,500 extra children joined the schemes in the past month – compared to 500 for the same period last year.
These supports will dramatically increase with the changes coming in September.
We are introducing a new universal childcare subsidy, of up to €1,040 per year, for children aged between 6-months and three-years who have not started their free pre-school year. Targeted childcare subsidies for lower income families will also increase, some by by as much as 50%, offering up to €145 per week.
The dedicated providers who offer childcare are also getting behind our efforts. As Minister I am mindful of the difficulties in the sector and remain fully committed to secure funding aimed at improving quality in Budget 2018.
Out of the 4,500 childcare services in the country, more than half have begun the process of re-contracting with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to deliver Childcare supports on its behalf.
Two in every three services that have already signed annual childcare contracts have signed up to deliver these particular childcare supports. This is higher again for childcare services in Roscommon, Donegal, Sligo, Kerry, Galway, Carlow and Leitrim where sign up rates average at 75%.
As Minister I have written to every TD and Senator to help get the word out. All have been provided with information leaflets for parents and providers. They will be distributed through constituency offices.
In addition, during August the awareness campaign will continue as we work towards the goal of ensuring every family knows that childcare in Ireland is changing forever.”

Note to editors:
Re-contracting for the Government childcare schemes takes place throughout the summer months. As of 12th July, 1,880 services have completed their contracts to deliver the ECCE (free pre-school) scheme, of which 1,156 have also signed up to deliver the measures to make childcare more affordable as recently announced by Government.