New cap on fees will make childcare more affordable for parents paying the most – Currie

The new maximum cap for early learning and childcare services will reduce the cost of childcare for parents paying the highest fees, said a Fine Gael TD.

Deputy Emer Currie, Fine Gael spokesperson on childcare, said this cap along with record levels of Core Funding is another positive step towards supporting childcare providers and families on our journey to affordable and accessible childcare.

“The increase in Core Funding of €60 million bringing it to a record level of €390 million for year four of the scheme is a welcome step in supporting childcare providers.

“While a maximum fee cap will directly impact those paying the highest fees, I hope families all around the country can also benefit with stronger and more sustainable local childcare services.

“It’s also important that we provide information on the terms and conditions for Year 4 of Core Funding, especially to smaller providers who have consistently communicated their struggle with running costs, administration, and maintaining staffing levels.

“The recruitment and retention of committed and experienced childcare staff is critical for the stability of services and continuity of care. The continued ringfencing of €45 million to support the Joint Labour Committee process to increase minimum rates of pay in the sector is a positive step in doing this.

“I would also hope that parents receiving enhanced supports who were negatively affected by the fee adjustment last year are acknowledged in this year’s reforms. I have consistently raised this issue in the Dáil and understand how important it is to parents.

“The Programme for Government commits to ensuring childcare providers’ fees are open and transparent, and to review and increase core funding, ensuring the fee cap is maintained. Today’s announcement moves on some of those commitments and Fine Gael is focused on delivering our ambitious commitments in the Programme for Government including affordability, accessibility and working in partnership with the sector”, concluded Deputy Currie.