Where is the action plan for public model of childcare?
Where is the action plan for public model of childcare? - The Labour Party
Labour spokesperson on children Mark Wall TD has criticised Minister Foley’s ‘headline first’ approach to policy development following the announcement of a maximum fee cap for childcare services participating in the State’s childcare scheme.
Deputy Wall said:
“Any step that helps parents struggling to meet the costs of childcare is welcome, but today’s announcement is the latest in a series of half-hearted measures to tackle the cost of childcare. What’s been announced today will do nothing for the vast majority of parents struggling to pay for childcare fees, nor will it address the workforce challenges impacting the sector.
“The measures proposed will not bring in one additional childcare place despite the fact that waiting lists for places are prevalent nationwide.
“Childcare providers are already closing down in many communities, or barely breaking even. Today’s measures will push even more providers to the brink.
“The failure of Minister Foley to publish an action plan for a public model of childcare is delaying any real progress for the sector. Announcing policy to get a headline will do nobody any favours.
“During the General Election, many political parties woke up to the Labour Party’s call to cap childcare fees at €200 per month as a starting point whilst working towards a universal, public model of early years’ education. However, what’s been announced today amounts to little more than lip service to parents’ plight.”