Creches may have to publish the cost of their fees under new childcare package

IT MAY BECOME mandatory for childcare providers such as creches to publish their fees online.

In this year’s Budget, Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone announced a new childcare scheme that will provide means-tested subsidies towards the cost of childcare for children aged six months to 15 years.

Universal subsidies of up to €80 a month or €900 a year for all children aged between six months and three years were also announced.

However, concerns have been raised as to whether the new subsidy will cause creches to hike up their fees.

While all the details of the new package are still to be announced, it’s understood the department will be calling for all childcare services and creches to be transparent and publish the cost of their fees.

Legislation

It’s believed this could be legislated for along with the new childcare measures.

Department sources said it would ensure that childcare providers are transparent in their operations.

As part of the government’s overhaul of the childcare system, the department has also committed to carrying out an independent review of childcare costs in Ireland.

It’s believed publishing creche fees nationwide will ensure that parents who want to shop around can avail of the best deal in their area.

Questions have been raised as to how the means-testing of parents will work next year.

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