Labour: Govt Childcare Launch Only A PR Scheme

Children and Youth Affairs spokesperson for the Labour Party, Seán Sherlock TD, has criticised a recent press event held by the Taoiseach and Minister for Children on a new childcare scheme as "just a launch about a launch" with nothing tangible for parents or providers.

It comes after Mr Varadkar and Dr Katherine Zappone unveiled the new scheme, aimed at subsidising childcare cost for families in a bid to increase the availability of quality, accessible and affordable care.

Deputy Sherlock hit out at the lack of progress on the matter. He said: "The Taoiseach and Minister for Children held another PR launch for the National Childcare Scheme, but the website still isn't live, and nothing we didn't already know was announced. There were some nice photos taken but nothing else for parents or providers to take home.

"They launched a new name and a website - which doesn't work. They said that they'll tell people about it all in May, during the local elections. They announced a new helpline but don't give the number as it won't happen until April.

"The Department has also arranged training sessions for providers in four areas around Dublin and the commuter belt under the Affordable Childcare Scheme rather than the new name they picked today.

"Essentially today was about getting the photo in the paper and the soundbite on the television. This type of PR spin has become the hallmark of this Government, like in Budget 2019 when the Government kicked the can until after the autumn, they have kicked the can again in an effort to show they are doing something.

"Parents and Providers want certainty and investment, not more photo-ops. The statement issued says this will pave the way for our system to move from one of the most expensive to one of the very best, but there is no effort to cap costs for parents, or deliver professional salaries for those working in the sector."



(JG/MH)