Comparing childcare support between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland

Families on the island of Ireland who live or work near the border, or who regularly cross the border in their daily lives, are often faced with a dilemma when it comes to accessing childcare. For border communities often the most convenient childcare provider may be on the opposite side of the border to where the parent is employed.

Both governments share an overarching goal of supporting families with childcare provision. However, their policies differ in the level of support available.

Figuring what is the best form of support can be complicated when only one jurisdiction is involved, but if you might also qualify for help from another this can add a whole other level of complexity. Our Family Benefits Advisors often receive queries of this type.

Childcare support comparison

The Centre for Cross Border Cooperation has recently published a policy briefing paper comparing the two government’s approaches to financial support for childcare costs.

This document explains the childcare schemes available to parents on both sides of the border and explores eligibility and registration requirements for accessing childcare services. It also considers some of the implications for parents who may want or need to access childcare on the opposite side of the border to where they work

The findings reveal an extensive system of childcare schemes aimed at supporting parents with the cost and accessibility of childcare services.

However, it also reveals the differences in the amount of support and the differences in eligibility of parents to avail of financial support depending on which side of the border they live, work or access childcare.

The full document is available on the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation website at https://crossborder.ie/guest-contributions/comparative-analysis-of-government-approaches-to-childcare-assistance/