Reminder: Labour Women to launch plans for universal childcare
Labour spokesperson for children Deputy Ivana Bacik will launch Labour Women’s vision for a universal childcare system at 3pm today, October 2nd at the playground in Merrion Square park.
Speaking in advance of the launch, Deputy Bacik said:
“Ask parents, early years educators and those who work in or manage childcare facilities and they will all point to serious problems with Ireland’s childcare system. Places are becoming increasingly scarce and costs continue to rise for parents, despite early-childhood care and education scheme subsidies. Parents in Dublin can now be paying as much as €1,000 per month per child, yet wages for many of those working in the sector remain very low.
“We need a new approach. I have long called for a publicly funded, universal and affordable childcare scheme which would be accessible to all. It would require the State to invest in the staff who care for and nurture our children. As well as the increased concern about the availability of places in the future as many providers have closed during the pandemic, significant hikes in costs have also been reported as providers prepared for the new term in September. Against this growing crisis the Government appears to have no vision for change. I commend Labour Women for launching this campaign, and I look forward to continuing work with them to bring about meaningful change for the sector.”
What: Launch of Labour Women’s universal childcare proposals
Who: Deputy Ivana Bacik and Labour Women executive
When: Saturday, October 2nd at 3pm
Where: Outside the playground at Merrion Square park
ENDS
Labour Women’s full proposals can be accessed at this link: https://www.labour.ie/assets/files/pdf/labour_women_childcare_campaign_october_2021.pdf