Footsteps for the Future Report
July 20, 2015
On Wednesday the 15th of July we launched a new report “Footsteps for the Future” written by Dr Stephen Kinsella for Early Childhood Ireland. The report was launched in Buswells hotel.
The Report proposes 5 inter-locking policies:
- An increase in the ECCE payment, with a system that promotes quality and sustainability
- A Programme of Out of School supports
- A Rolling Quality Programme
- And inclusion Grant for children with Additional Needs
- An increase in Parental Leave to 1 year.
We issued a Media Release on the morning of the Launch:
109 million increased investment in Early Childhood Education required in 2016 according to new report “Footsteps for the Future” written by Dr Stephen Kinsella for Early Childhood Ireland, launched July 15th in Buswells Hotel.
Increased ECCE (free preschool scheme) capitation payment and promotion of quality and sustainability; out of school supports crucial to alleviate the cost of after school care for families; a rolling quality programme; inclusion and support grants for children with additional needs and a gradual increase in the availability of parental leave over a 6 year period to one year – are all policy recommendations in “Footsteps for the Future – Increasing investment in Early Childhood Education”, written by Dr Stephen Kinsella, Senior Lecturer in Economics at the University of Limerick, for Early Childhood Ireland and Wednesday 15th July.
_____________________________________________________
We wrote a letter to all TDs and Senators to let them know about one aspect of the Report:
3,370 childcare workers have to sign on dole over summer costing €7.2m to the exchequer
Today, the day the Dail breaks for summer holidays, Early Childhood Ireland reminds TDs and Senators of the unacceptable situation that 3,370 childcare workers have to sign on dole over summer costing €7.2m to the exchequer
With the Dail officially breaking up for summer holidays today, and the Seanad finishing next Wednesday, Early Childhood Ireland is sending a reminder to TDs and Senators that over 3,370 people – that is almost 14% of the total workforce of 25,000 childcare workers in Ireland – had to sign on the live register in the summer of 2014, at a cost to the exchequer of €7.2 million, with similar levels signing on this summer.
_____________________________________________________
Media coverage on the Report:
Irish Examiner Piece:
Irish Independent piece:
