Multimillion-euro childcare grant scheme is unveiled

A NEW multimillion-euro childcare grant scheme was announced by the Government yesterday under the National Childcare Investment Programme.

Operating from 2008 to 2010, €153 million in funding will go to community-based, non-profit childcare services that provide reduced rates to disadvantaged parents.

Launching the new subvention scheme yesterday, Children Minister Brendan Smith said the €153m represented a “significant increase” and demonstrated the Government’s commitment to childcare and measures targeted at tackling social inclusion.