Proposed ‘granny grant’ could extend to other members of the family

Yesterday, plans for a Grandparent and Grandchild Expenses Reimbursement Scheme were announced.

Today, it has been reported that this grant may spread to other members of the family who also help parents with childcare. The Minister for Transport Shane Ross, who previously put the same proposal forward, responded to yesterday's news. He said he would "be prepared to look at" extending the scheme to sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles who lend a helping hand. The proposed €1,000 payment will only go to those family members who contribute more than 10 hours of childcare a week. Speaking with Miriam O'Callaghan on RTÉ Radio 1, the Minister said:

“We will start with looking at how it worked with grandparents and if there was a demand or a justification for extending it to other people that would be absolutely fair enough.” "This is a start and it's something which could be extended if it's very successful, if it's not too expensive, and if it actually really works."

If the scheme proposed by the Independent Alliance comes into effect, Mr Ross declared it would not be policed. The reason being, he doesn't think it will be abused by the family members. The Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe is not as positive about the scheme as Shane Ross, and yesterday questioned how it will work. The Grandparent and Grandchild Expenses Reimbursement Scheme will be examined by the Finance Minister.