Issues impacting quality, sustainable childcare need to be addressed – Mulherin

Mayo Fine Gael Senator, Michelle Mulherin, said there needs to be sustainability in the provision of quality childcare in Ireland, and we address the outstanding issues in the child care industry.

“I recently attended a SIPTU meeting in Castlebar concerning issues in the childcare industry with its ‘Big Start’ campaign.

“There is a palpable sense of frustration among our childcare workers. They are particularly frustrated by their casual working contracts and low pay. Many contracts only last 38 weeks of the year, meaning they have to spend the remaining 14 weeks on casual employment or on social welfare.

“Many service providers are deemed self-employed meaning they don’t qualify for social welfare payments over this period.

“There is also a disparity between community service providers and private service providers. Many private service providers are frustrated because when problems are noticed by the State in the community sector, providers in that sector are immediately supported and financed so that those problems can be fixed, but the contrary is the case in the private sector.

“I raised this issue directly with the Minister in the Seanad recently calling for further and accelerated government action to address these issues.

“We need to build on the groundwork that has already been laid by the Government in the childcare area.

“Our children are our future; we need to make sure the people who look after them are taken care of.

“I know Minister Zappone has secured some funding to recognise the administrative preparation that is required to deliver child care services. People working in the sector believe that a substantial further investment needs to be made to make the industry sustainable.

“The Minister secured a 35% increase in this year’s budget, on the back of a 35% increase in 2016. I welcome the extension of the free pre-school programme from one to two years and the commencement of the affordable child care scheme which will kick in this September.

“I think we need to look at solutions to make further improvements, so those working in the industry can enjoy job security and a decent standard of living.