Finglas benefits from new €14 million afterschool childcare scheme

I am delighted that Finglas has been announced as part of the first phase of a new €14 million childcare scheme to help parents on low incomes get back to work.

Under this scheme, which will begin on April 29th, low income families in Finglas will be able to avail of subsidised afterschool childcare, throughout the year, for a contribution of €20 per week.

It is great news that Finglas is one of seven locations to share the first 500 places in this scheme. These places will be made available to people who have been long-term unemployed, or those who used to receive the One Parent Family Payment and who have got a job offer or have significantly increased their part-time hours.

Providing good quality, affordable childcare is one of the most important ways in which we help people get back to work. Concerns about childcare can often prevent parents taking on more hours in work or availing of new job opportunities. This is particularly true for lower income families who need extra supports to help them balance work and family life.   

Parents in Finglas who meet the criteria will get a letter of eligibility from their local Social Welfare Office telling them about the afterschool childcare places available. They will then be put in touch with the local childcare providers.

Along with local Labour Councillor John Redmond, I have worked to support community childcare centres in Finglas. With today’s announcement, parents in Finglas will benefit from essential subsidised childcare that can help them back into work.

I would like to commend Minister Joan Burton for her work in this area, and I look forward to seeing further extensions of this scheme as part of the Government’s long-term commitment to building a first-rate childcare system for all families.




Further Information on First Phase of the Scheme:

In this first phase, up to 500 childcare places will be made available to people who have been long-term unemployed or were former recipients of the One Parent Family Payment. 

A total of 6,000 places will be available when the scheme is implemented in full. 

The Department of Social Protection will provide €14 million in funding for the scheme.

The scheme will involve a Government subsidy of €35 per week and a parental contribution of €20 per week per child. 

During school holidays, the Government subsidy will increase to €100 per week but the parental contribution will remain at €20 per week. 

In this phase, the scheme will be made available in seven locations through the local Department of Social Protection offices in;

Finglas
Dundalk
Tralee
King’s Inn Street (Dublin City Centre)
Cork City
Mullingar
Limerick City (Dominic Street)

Families who meet the criteria will get a letter of eligibility from their local office, which will also inform them of the amount of afterschool childcare provision applicable. 

They will then be referred to their nearest County Childcare Committee who will connect them with the relevant providers. 

If you have any other questions on this scheme, please contact me on 01 618 3280 or john.lyons@oir.ie