Minister Zappone publishes new data on the cost of early learning and care and school-age childcare to families
Minister Zappone publishes new data on the cost of early learning and care and school-age childcare to families
Average full-time fees in May 2019 €184 per week, up 3.6%
Average part-time fees €110 per week, up 8%
Lowest full-time fees (for children 2-3 yrs) recorded in Co. Carlow, at €148 per week, with the highest full-time fees recorded in Dublin (Dun Laoghaire Rathdown), at €251 per week
The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Dr. Katherine Zappone, T.D. today published new data on the cost of early learning and care and school-age childcare to families in Ireland.
The publication of this information, which is drawn from almost 4,000 early learning and care and school age childcare services located around the country, seeks to provide parents with information, on the average cost for early learning and care and school-age childcare in their local area according to their child’s age. It highlights major variations across the country.
The information reveals that the average fee for full-time provision now stands at €184 per week – an increase of 3.6% since last year. The lowest full-time fees, for children 2-3 years old, were recorded in Co. Carlow at €148 per week, with the highest full-time fees recorded in Dublin (Dun Laoghaire Rathdown), at €251 per week for children.
Today’s publication coincides with final preparations for the introduction of the landmark National Childcare Scheme (NCS). This will introduce considerable enhancements to State supported early learning and care and school-age childcare from later this year.
The National Childcare Scheme is the first ever statutory entitlement to financial support for early learning and care and school-age childcare in Ireland. It aims to improve outcomes for children, reduce child poverty and tangibly reduce the cost of quality early learning and care and school-age childcare for thousands of families across Ireland. Importantly, it will also provide a robust and flexible platform for future investment. The OECD Faces of Joblessness Report has said it will significantly improve costs to parents in Ireland.
Speaking about the data being published today, Minister Zappone said: