Contract awarded to deliver IT system for the Affordable Childcare Scheme

Another major milestone achieved in the creation of a new scheme of entitlements for parents towards the cost of childcare

System reflects new frontier of innovative, joined-up and user-friendly public services

Monday 9th July, 2018

On Friday, 6th July 2018 the Minister awarded a contract for the development of the IT system to support the introduction of the Affordable Childcare Scheme.  The contract has been awarded to Codec, an Irish company with global reach, which was successful following a rigorous public procurement process.

Awarding the contract, the Minister noted:

“Last Monday, President Michael D Higgins signed the Childcare Support Act 2018 into law, providing the legal basis for the new Affordable Childcare Scheme.  Today the contract for the scheme’s IT system will be signed.  This is certainly a momentous seven days for childcare-bookended by major progress as we put both the legal platform and the IT platform in place for this new scheme.  Block by block we are building a solid foundation for a scheme which will help to transform our childcare system from one of the most expensive in the world to one of the best, and which should help generations of families to come.

I know the burden that childcare costs can be for families.  Access to quality, affordable childcare can transform the situation of many families and that is why I am unwavering in my commitment to increasing investment in childcare.”

Once launched, the Affordable Childcare Scheme will provide financial support to help reduce the cost of childcare for parents. Through this financial support, the scheme aims to improve access; assist families to return to work and training; reduce child poverty; and improve outcomes for children.

The IT system is a central element of the new Affordable Childcare Scheme as it will allow people to apply online for a childcare subsidy and, in the vast majority of cases, be automatically assessed and approved in a timely, user-friendly way, without any need to collect, collate and submit documentary evidence.  As such, it is intended to support busy parents to access the support they need in the easiest possible way.

The system will be developed by Codec, working in close collaboration with the Department of Children and Youth Affairs and Pobal, who will act as the scheme administrator.

 

For the full announcement see the DCYA Website.