Most working parents, already faced with substantial childcare costs will be confronted with unacceptable increases as a consequence of a recently announced change in the staffing grants for childcare facilities.

In a statement on the issue, Independent MEP Marian Harkin said:-
“I am calling on Minister Brendan Smith to listen to the concerns of the childcare sector and review his proposals which will make childcare unaffordable for many parents.  I know of the tremendous energy, effort and commitment of groups involved in making quality, affordable and accessible childcare available in the community.  The Minister responsible for children Mr. Smith, in changing the terms of the childcare subvention scheme has not alone threatened the entire community based childcare system but has undermined the huge investment made in childcare provision with the assistance of huge funding from the EU.  As a result of the severe cuts proposed in staffing grants many of these centres could face closure with the consequent waste of taxpayers money and community effort.

“The Government has a duty to assist the provision of quality, affordable and accessible childcare for all who wish to avail of it.  The new ‘value for money’ ethos of this Government would be better directed to easily detectable areas of waste instead of inventing new ways to pressure the administration and operation of childcare facilities.