A scheme to give healthcare workers up to 45 hours of childcare a week is to be introduced.
Minister Katherine Zappone has said that from 18 May the Department of Children will oversee the provision of childcare in the homes of 5,000 essential healthcare workers.
Registered childcare services are now being invited to take part in the scheme and that participation will be voluntary.
The majority of the cost would be paid by the State but there would be a parental contribution required of €90 per family per week.
The Minister told the Dail this would provide essential healthcare workers with 45 hours of childcare a week.
It is recommended that childcare workers volunteering for the scheme are paid on average €15 per hour, Ms Zappone added.
She said the State would also cover employer PRSI, leave accrual and administrative overheads to providers.
The Minister said the scheme would cost an estimated €4.7 million per week.
The Minister said eligible health workers are advised to contact a Pobal parents’ support centre over the coming days to request the service.
She said the scheme would run initially for a period of four weeks; there will be a review after two weeks and again at the end of the four weeks.
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