National Discussion Needed On Access To Childcare

Ensuring the maximum number of families have access to high-quality childcare and education "is essential", Fine Gael said.

The party's chairperson and TD for Limerick has called for a 'national discussion' on the issue.

Speaking in Dáil Éireann, Dan Neville, said: "Research undertaken in 2013 indicated that 77% of preschool children are cared for by parents or relatives and 12% by childminders, with 19% cared for in crèches or Montessori schools.

"Society has changed dramatically in recent decades, and most young parents do not have the option of staying in the home to rear their families, as financial demands cannot be met unless both parents are working. For these families there is no option but to turn to childcare for support.

"At present the ECCE scheme, which provides €175 million in funding, benefits 68,000 children each year. This scheme provides a free preschool for children aged between three years and two months and four years and seven months on 1st September for each year that they start.

"The State pays a capitation fee to participating playschools and day-care services. In return, they provide a preschool service free of charge to all children within the qualifying age for a set number of hours over a defined period. In general, children only qualify for ECCE for one school year, but a child assessed as having a disability may be able to spread the free preschool time over two years.

"The intention behind ECCE is to intervene before primary school in order to develop a child's education, self-esteem and communication skills. The introduction of a second preschool year would be extremely beneficial and this is something I have highlighted to the Minister on a number of occasions.

"Access to affordable high-quality care for younger and school-going children is essential for development and future opportunities in education and training and, afterwards, in occupations. There is a clear link between affordable and high-quality child care and achieving the Government's priorities of improving educational outcomes for children, reducing poverty and increasing parents' participation in the labour market. This issue is extremely important to thousands of families and I intend to continue to work with the Government to address these concerns."

(MH/CD)