I raise an issue brought to me by my constituents in Dublin Fingal West, primarily in north County Dublin, namely, the rising costs of summer camps and the impact this is having on middle and lower income families. For example, the cost of one four-day summer camp is running at €150 per child. For families with two or three children, this quickly becomes impossible to manage. Many parents are juggling household bills, food costs, the cost-of-living crisis and everyday expenses. For those relying on social welfare or on low incomes, summer camps are just out of reach. No one is suggesting that these camps should be free or that providers are charging unreasonable prices. We recognise that staff must be paid, halls must be hired, insurance must be covered and materials and equipment come with costs. These organisations are providing valuable services and deserve to be supported. This is exactly why we need to look at how the Government can support families rather than expecting community groups or camp providers to absorb these costs themselves. The reality is that many children are spending the summer watching their friends attending sports camps, arts camps and activity programmes, while they are being left behind simply because their parents cannot afford the fees. This exclusion can be incredibly difficult for a child to understand. They do not see budgets, household incomes or finances. They only see that everybody else gets to go and they do not. I have been contacted by several parents in the constituency who have described to me these conversations with their children. No parent wants to tell their child that they cannot take part simply because the family does not have the money. For this reason, I ask that the Minister consider introducing or extending a summer support scheme to help families with the cost of summer camps. We already provide support in many areas, including, in particular, childcare through core funding. I believe this is another area where targeted assistance could make a real difference. Could the Department examine the possibility of a means-tested subsidy or a voucher scheme for summer camps to be included in the budget for 2027? Such a measure would support families, help providers maintain services and, most importantly, ensure children are not excluded because of their family's financial circumstances. Each child deserves the opportunity to enjoy the summer, make friends, learn new skills and participate in activities that contribute to their development. Children's access to these opportunities should not be solely based on their family's financial circumstances. I hope the Minister will give serious consideration to this proposal and work towards a practical solution with family support groups and the summer camp organisers delivering these valuable summer programmes.

Sentiment score: 0.16

I thank the Minister of State. It is good to see the Department is aware of the issue. The NCS is a good scheme but it is generally for childcare, and I am asking more specifically about summer camps. I am not sure if the NCS is usable in summer camps, though I am open to correction on that. We are looking for targeted supports. Like the NCS, we support school meals, childcare and school transport because we recognise the barriers families face. Why should summer activities be any different? I am not suggesting every family should receive a subsidy. I am asking the Minister of State to examine targeted, means-tested supports for those who need them the most. Summer activities keep children active, connected and engaged. They support their well-being and ease the pressure on families during the school holidays. Will the Minister of State commit to engaging with summer camp providers and family organisations to examine what practical support schemes specifically for summer camps can be introduced ahead of next summer? If we genuinely believe every child deserves an equal start in life, we must also believe every child deserves an equal opportunity to take part in activities that help them learn, socialise and thrive during the summer months.

Sentiment score: 0.38