A COUNTY Limerick politician has highlighted what she considers an unfair aspect of the National Childcare Scheme (NCS) – one she claims is creating financial hardship for childcare providers and placing an unfair burden on parents.
Speaking in the Seanad, Sinn Féin senator Joanne Collins pointed out that, under the current rules, if a parent collects their child early from childcare, the provider is financially penalised.
According to Senator Collins, in this instance, parents must either refund a portion of the subsidy they receive from the NCS or absorb the financial loss themselves.
“The reality is that most providers, already under immense pressure, cannot afford to take this hit – so they are left with no choice but to pass the cost to parents, charging them for hours they did not use,” she said.
“This is completely unfair. Parents should not be financially punished for picking up their child early due to work schedules, family needs, or unforeseen circumstances. Many parents work in jobs with variable hours or long commutes – flexibility in childcare should be supported, not penalised.”
Childcare providers, Senator Collins continued, are struggling to stay afloat under the weight of this scheme.
“We already know that many small and community-based providers are at risk of closing due to rising costs and staffing pressures. Yet, instead of providing stability, the NCS is creating even more financial uncertainty for them. If a provider cannot rely on stable funding because of unpredictable attendance, how are they expected to maintain staff, keep their doors open, and continue delivering quality childcare?”
Senator Collins is calling on the government to urgently address this issue, saying that “the current system is not fit for purpose, and it must be reformed”.
“The NCS should support flexibility, not penalise it. Funding should be based on the actual needs of childcare providers and families, rather than forcing a rigid, one-size-fits-all model that does not reflect the reality of how families use childcare. If we are serious about making childcare more affordable and accessible, we need to ensure that the system is fair for both parents and providers.”
