Brendan Smith TD welcomes substantial reductions in early learning and childcare costs

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  • New subsidy rates under the National Childcare Scheme effective from 2 January
  • Record numbers of children now benefitting from supports under the Scheme
  • All families encouraged to ensure they are availing of their entitlements under the Scheme

Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Brendan Smith has welcomed substantial reductions in early learning and Childcare costs. 

New subsidy rates under the National Childcare Scheme have been introduced which are set to substantially reduce out of pocket costs for early learning and childcare for thousands of families across the country.

Deputy Brendan Smith said, “I’m delighted to see these reductions in early learning and childcare costs for families across the country. 

“These were important measures introduced in Budget 2023 in order to ease the pressure on families and improve the early learning and childcare system for families. Families across the country will save on average up to €1,200 per year, per child, thanks to a 25% reduction in childcare costs. 

“€1 billion is being invested in early learning and childcare in 2023 and this will see more families than ever avail of the National Childcare Scheme. Fianna Fáil is committed to making childcare more affordable for families while improving the quality of the service for children and parents across the country.” 

From 2 January, the minimum hourly subsidy under the National Childcare Scheme for all children under 15 will be €1.40 – an increase of €0.90 per hour from last year.

For families using Tusla-registered early learning and childcare, this subsidy increase represents further cost reductions of €2,106 (or a reduction of €3,326 in total) off the annual cost of early learning and childcare for each child.

The change to the National Childcare Scheme is being backed by €121 million secured in Budget 2023, bringing total funding for the Scheme to €358 million this year.

Record numbers of children are now accessing support under the Scheme. More than 98,000 children are currently in receipt of support, representing an 82% increase in the number of children for the same period last year.

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