Comparative analysis of government approaches to childcare assistance

Juliane O’Hare, a second-year Ulster University student studying BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care Policy, has authored this paper on cross-border childcare: A comparative analysis of government approaches to childcare assistance in Ireland and Northern Ireland, their impact on cross-border cooperation, and the implications for access to childcare.

The governments of Ireland and Northern Ireland have placed a significant focus on childcare in their respective Programmes for Government 2025, with pledges in both relating to accessibility, affordability, and quality of childcare services.

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

This policy briefing will examine the childcare schemes available to support families in both jurisdictions and consider some of the implications for childcare provision, particularly in border communities where the most convenient childcare provider may be on the opposite side of the border to where the parent is employed.

Article 18.2 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child states that “For the purpose of guaranteeing and promoting the rights set forth in the present Convention, States Parties shall render appropriate assistance to parents and legal guardians in the performance of their child-rearing responsibilities and shall ensure the development of institutions, facilities, and services for the care of children.”

This provision highlights the government’s legal duty to support parents by providing access to childcare services. This policy briefing will detail the various childcare schemes available to parents on both sides of the border and explore eligibility and registration requirements for accessing childcare services. It will also consider some of the implications for parents that may need to access childcare on the opposite side of the border to where they work.