Childcare costs for 'tens of thousands' of families to be reduced from next year

More families will see reduced childcare costs across Ireland from September 2026, under a new Department of Children plan. 

It's understood that Minister for Children, Norma Foley, will bring the plan to increase the childcare subsidy brackets to include more people to Cabinet this week. 

At the moment, families can get a full subsidy under the National Childcare Scheme if their household income is under €26,000.

If an income is between €26,000 and €60,000, families are eligible for a graduated level of subsidies.

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Under Minister Foley's new plan, it is not clear what the new brackets would be, but the change would take effect from September of next year. 

The government is aiming to reduce childcare costs for "tens of thousands of families" with the new thresholds, according to The Irish Times.

The Coalition has pledged to reduce bills for childcare by €200 per child per month.

In October of this year, the average Irish parent was paying roughly €190 per week for early years childcare.

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Minister Foley's plan being brought to Cabinet also details what phase one of a new Early Years Action Plan will look like.

It's believed that it will contain steps that are hoped will cause increased access to childcare while improving affordability while raising the sector's standards.

The second phase of the plan will be published in 2026.