merrion street

New childcare legislation will be drafted and prioritised following the go ahead of Cabinet today (Tuesday 24th January 2017), according to the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr Katherine Zappone.

The legislation will underpin the radical new approach set out by Minister Zappone after she secured a 35% increase in Early Years Funding in Budget 2017.

Speaking following the cabinet meeting Minister Zappone said: “This year will be a landmark year in making childcare more affordable and more accessible, whilst also improving the quality of services. Today we have taken a key step forward.

The approach which the Government has agreed is fair and equal and will open up opportunities for families who up until now could not afford childcare.

We will continue to work on our ambitious timelines with a focus now on preparing the legislation and putting in place IT and information campaigns to ensure we are ready for roll out of the new scheme.

The legislation has been prioritised by Government and it is my hope that detailed examination of the legislation by the Houses of the Oireachtas will take place before the summer.”