Parents in Kilkenny to save thousands of euros in childcare fees next month

Kilkenny parents are set to save thousands of euros per year with a substantial reduction in childcare fees in January when Budget measures take effect, according to Fine Gael TD, John Paul Phelan.

Deputy Phelan said many parents are currently receiving notifications from creches outlining their revised fees from next month which is extremely positive at the present time.

He added: “Fine Gael is determined to put more money back in people’s pockets with a focus on cutting childcare costs and helping childcare providers and workers.

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“From next month, childcare fees will drop by 25%, with an average €1,200 reduction in annual childcare costs for each child. I know of one parent who is set to save €400 per month on fees for his two children who are in creche full time.

“Government is doing this by almost trebling the subsidies provided through the National Childcare Scheme. The overall number of childcare places will be increased with an extra €59 million invested in our childcare providers.

“For parents in Kilkenny on the minimum subsidy this will mean up to €3,276 off their annual bill per child. With up to €1,170 currently available per annum, this represents up to an additional €2,106 off the annual cost of early learning and care and school aged childcare per child.

“Parents on the maximum subsidies, based on an income assessment and the age of the child, can already receive up to €11,934 off their annual fee.

 “It will also mean that any family who is not already at the maximum hourly subsidy will see an increase in their subsidy. For those who have an award less than the maximum subsidy, the amount of the increase will taper down as they approach the maximum hourly subsidy,” Deputy Phelan said.

“Parents in across Kilkenny city and county can be reassured the national childcare subsidy increases won’t be absorbed into fee increases, with a fee freeze on 2021 rates in place in over 90% childminding facilities which have signed up to the new core funding stream.

“Core funding began in September and has given rise to increased capacity. The geographical breakdown across the country indicates expansion in urban and commuter areas where there has been significant pressure on places. Kildare, Wicklow, Meath as well as the four Dublin local authority areas, Galway, Cork City, Waterford and Limerick are all showing increases in capacity above national average figures.