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.
She told the Dáil that registered childcare services are being invited to take part in the scheme and that participation will be voluntary.
The minister said the majority of the cost would be paid by the State but there would be a small parental contribution required of €90 per family per week.
She said 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.