Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Andrew Doyle, has welcomed the announcement by Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Charlie Flanagan TD, that the Afterschool Childcare (ASCC) programme and the community employment childcare (CEC) programme will be extended and support people on lower income entering the jobs market
Deputy Andrew Doyle said “I welcome this announcement for the after-school childcare programme expanding its eligibility criteria to provide places to recipients of the Jobseeker’s Allowance, Jobseeker’s Benefit and One-Parent Family payments who participate in a Department of Social Protection employment programme. This enhancement will provide eligible customers with the choice to avail of after-school childcare support while on an employment programme, when entering or increasing their employment or a combination of both.”
“The programme is very significant in terms for families re-entering the job place and another example of this Governments commitment to long term job creation and stability.”
“Families who are participating in Community Employment schemes will now also receive full support for children in primary school, under the newly named CE childcare (CEC) programme.”
Deputy Doyle continued “These changes ensure that the programmes are more accessible and equitable for those eligible to avail of them. Supporting parents to return to employment is a key focus.
“For families taking part in Community Employment schemes, they will now receive full support for children in primary school. As part of Budget 2014 them programme is expanding to provide subsidised childcare places for CE participants with primary school children aged up to 13 years of age, increasing from the current age limit of 5 years.
“With the extra provisions being made available, it is also very welcomed that the contribution from parents for the ASCC programme has been reduced to €15 “, concluded Deputy Doyle.