A Donegal Minister says that the new ‘Affordable Childcare Scheme’ is a ‘sea change’ for families in the North West.
Fine Gael Deputy Joe McHugh is urging parents to avail of an awareness campaign on the new scheme which aims to make childcare more affordable for all families.
From September (of this year), any child aged between 6 months and 3 years old registered in childcare, will receive some level of support, whether they are in part time or full time care.
The cost barrier for more vulnerable families will also be removed and the top rate of subsidy is to increase from €95 to €145 per week, while part time rates are to increase to €80 per week.
According to deputy McHugh, ‘there will be no minimum number of hours and no maximum number of weeks for eligibilty.’
An awareness campaign is to be launched at the end of this month aimed at informing parents of the changes.
