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.

“The key objectives of the National Childcare Investment Programme, which include supporting families to break the cycle of poverty and disadvantage, will be supported by the Community Childcare Subvention Scheme, which will focus on disadvantaged parents and their children, targeting resources where they are most needed,” he said.

“The scheme is expected to be more effective in targeting resources to services with high numbers of disadvantaged parents.”

Yesterday’s announcement followed a commitment to bring a new grant scheme into effect in 2008.