Government "falls far short" on childcare promise

The government is to bring an additional childcare fee cut for families signed up to subsidised providers before the end of the year.

From September the maximum payable per week will be lowered to €183.70 for a typical week of 45 hours.

However Longford-Westmeath TD, Sorca Clarke, says the announced reduction in childcare fees made by the Government will put the cost of childcare closer to €200 per week, a far cry from the Government's promise of €200 a month childcare.

Deputy Clarke was commenting as the Government announced a reduction in the maximum fee cap providers can charge parents from €198 to €183.70 per week - a reduction of €14.30: “Fine Gael's promise to deliver €200 a month childcare within 100 days of Government is nowhere to be seen.

“The cost of childcare under Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael is actually closer to €200 per week - never mind €200 per month.

The Sinn Féin TD for says the reduction will only reach parents whose child or children are in a childcare setting that is signed up to Core Funding: “Some providers have left Core Funding, and these parents will be locked out of this saving. In fact, these parents are paying hundreds more.

“And of course, while affordability is key, parents have to be able to access a childcare place in the first instance - this is extremely difficult in many parts of the state.”

Deputy Clarke says the measures do not go far enough: “Accessibility and building capacity is just as important as affordability.

“There is a huge issue with access to childcare places for under 1 year olds. Government should look at Sinn Féin’s proposal around extending Parent’s Leave and Benefit to ensure a parent can spend the first year with their baby - especially when there is a lack of places.”

The Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on mental health criticised the pace of change: “The announcement today includes another €45 million in ringfenced funding for pay for Early Years Educators and School Age Care Practitioners yet, we are still waiting on the €45 million announced last year to deliver a much needed pay increase.

“This is becoming an annual issue where the professionals in the workforce, who we desperately need and who we are losing, are left waiting for a pay increase. They won’t have this increase for September at this rate. The Joint Labour Committee is not working.”

Deputy Clarke concluded by saying: “If we don’t pay educators properly, we will have no early years sector and we need not worry about costs to parents then.

“Government must publish a plan to get to €200 a month for childcare costs as promised. They can copy Sinn Féin’s plan if they aren’t able to do it themselves but it cannot come on its own - as set out in our plan, it must include building capacity, proper pay and extending Parent’s Leave and Benefit.”