Response to media reports of new ‘affordability of childcare’ scheme

Response from Teresa Heeney CEO of Early Childhood Ireland regarding media reports that a new ‘affordability of childcare’ scheme is being brought to Cabinet tomorrow.

“We’ve read the front page report in the Irish Independent today announcing a proposal going to cabinet tomorrow to address ‘affordability of childcare’.

“Irish families are paying more than any of their European counterparts on early childhood education services and this must be addressed as a matter of urgency.  Therefore, we welcome any initiative that highlights the need for increased investment in the early childhood education sector.

“However, the solution remains simple – increased investment by Government, in order to bring Irish Government investment from its current low of 0.2% of GDP to the European average of 0.7%.

“This initiative by Minister Reilly is on foot of a European Council recommendation to the Irish Government issued in June 2014 to develop proposals to address the link between poverty and affordability of childcare as well as creating supports to encourage women into the workforce.

“Early Childhood Ireland knows and the Government knows that not enough money is being spent in this sector by Government. This is in stark contrast to the huge amounts being paid out by parents every month. But the Government also knows, from international research, that tax credit initiatives do little to enhance quality. The needs of our children today and in the future must be the cornerstone of any initiative. Only quality early childhood education is worthwhile for children, families and society. Of critical importance will be addressing wage levels in this sector and rewarding fairly the commitment and qualifications of the early childhood educators working in this sector.

“Any plans must be discussed with the early childhood education sector, who are at the coalface delivering services day in day out and for whom sustainability is a huge issue.

“We must ensure that this working group is not simply pre-election spin and Early Childhood Ireland will be in touch today with Minister Reilly’s Department to get some more information on behalf of our 3,500 members running crèches and preschools and early childhood education settings around the country.”

Ends.