Over 7,700 Donegal children receive childcare subsidies under National Scheme

More than 7,700 children in County Donegal receive childcare subsidies under the National Childcare Scheme, but many are missing out on the scheme which can cut thousands off childcare bills.

And today, Minister for Children, Roderic O’Gorman, is calling on all parents in the County 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.

7,756 children in Donegal received subsidies towards the cost of their childcare under the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) in 2023, with more than €15 million paid to early learning and childcare providers in Donegal to reduce parents’ fees.

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.

Families who would like to know if their child care provider is registered for the NCS can access the Childcare Search Service on the NCS website, at www.NCS.gov.ie, where they can also see the providers’ fees list. Families will also find information on how to apply for the NCS.

Families who want some more support in how to apply can contact the Donegal County Childcare Committee. Childcare Committees are a local government funded support designed to help families access childcare support.

Trish McLaughlin from Donegal County Childcare Committee explained:

"The NCS has greatly benefited families across Donegal. All families regardless of their income benefit from this universal support which subsidises the cost of childcare."

"Anyone with any questions about the NCS is welcome to contact the Donegal County Childcare Committee on 074 9123442 for assistance."

 “The Scheme Administrator, Pobal, also runs a helpline to provide support and guidance to parents in relation to the NCS. The Parent Support Centre can be contacted on 01 906 8530, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.”

Also for families from County Donegal planning a trip to Dublin, the team from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability Integration and Youth as well as County Childcare Committee members from across the country will be at the Pregnancy & Baby Fair in the RDS on the 23 to 24 March to speak to parents and expectant parents about childcare so if you’re planning a visit, be sure to stop by stall G9.