Ministers at odds over childcare grant costs

THE Government was in confusion last night as to the precise cost of providing a new childcare supplement to the children of EU nationals working here.

The office of Children’s Minister Brian Lenihan yesterday issued a statement contradicting figures given by the Department of Social and Family Affairs at the weekend.

Under the scheme, announced in December’s budget, parents will receive a yearly supplement of €1,000 for each child under the age of six — to assist with the cost of childcare.