Grandparents who actively helpline their grandchildren could potentially recieve an annual grant of €1,000 under new proposals being considered by the Government.
It is understood the new grant which will cover childcare costs would be claimed by grandparents who look after their grandchildren for more than 10 hours per week.
The new scheme which will be reviewed by the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, has been put forward by the Independent Alliance who are looking to have the proposals implemented in the upcoming Budget.
It is expected that the Department of Finance will review the proposals, although the Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe questioned the scale of the scheme given that other family members and friends also take care of young children voluntarily.
However if the scheme were to be passed those wishing to avail of the grant would have to be means tested.