Childcare Crisis: 'Parents should not pay more the €50 per week for full-time childcare'

The Childcare Provider:

Steven Carthy of Mellowes Childcare in Athboy has outlined some of the challenges facing the childcare sector and says that facilities could operate a lot better if Government invested in the area. He added:

“Government needs to step in and give more support. Because of National Childcare Scheme a large number of children attend with us full time from 8am to 6pm for free. Extending the NCS for all parents is the simplest solution.

“This can be done overnight if the will exists. Parents are not getting enough support. I have called on Minister Roderic O Gorman to do this as I have of previous ministers but still no budge. Treating parents unfairly is not right.

“Michael Martin promised prior to election the universal fee of €20 would increase to €80 but nothing has happened.

“No parents should pay more the €50 per week for full time childcare, the rest underwritten by state.

“I can't get staff because of shortages of labour and an unattractive sector. 3,500 staff are needed nationally. The ECCE is underfunded, it should be at least €100 a week.

“Scrap the higher capitation and let the money follow the child. Extend the 38-week module to fund 52 weeks per year for staff continuity.

“An apprenticeship needs to be announced immediately so workers can be got and start training on the job. The construction sector can do it, why can't we.

“The CE scheme must be extended to all childcare providers.

“The Government are the old ones that can change this. The blame lies with them. So does the solutions.”