Government schemes aimed at making childcare more affordable in Ireland have become a financial burden for parents as providers withdraw from the core funding programme and impose hefty fee increases. In the past two years, 51 childcare providers have exited the government scheme, with some charging fees up to €300-€400 more per month. The withdrawals … Read more
Almost 900 government-funded childcare providers have been approved to increase their fees this year, undermining efforts to reduce childcare costs for parents despite substantial state investment in the sector. The Department of Children received 1,145 fee increase applications for the 2024/2025 program year, with 898 services approved to increase at least one fee following the … Read more
The sudden emergence of childcare as a key election issue has caught the attention of voters and political observers alike, despite the challenges having simmered beneath the surface for decades. Since the mid-1990s, when Ireland experienced a significant shift away from the traditional model of stay-at-home parenting, the need for comprehensive childcare solutions has grown … Read more
According to The Irish Examiner, Sinn Féin has unveiled an ambitious election blueprint targeting middle and working-class families, with bold proposals to transform childcare, taxation, and education costs. The party’s comprehensive 180-page manifesto, launched in Dublin by leader Mary Lou McDonald, promises to cap childcare costs by next September, eliminate the Universal Social Charge (USC) … Read more
According to The Irish Examiner, Fine Gael is set to include a novel proposal in its upcoming election manifesto to transform vacant State-owned buildings, including unused international protection accommodation centers, into childcare facilities. The party, led by Taoiseach Simon Harris, aims to address childcare costs by potentially utilizing up to 100 existing buildings. Harris has … Read more
According to Breaking News.ie, Sinn Féin has unveiled an ambitious plan to slash childcare costs for Irish parents. The opposition party aims to cap daily childcare fees at just €10 per child, potentially transforming the lives of families across the country. Party leader Mary Lou McDonald highlighted the financial strain many parents face, comparing childcare … Read more
Good news for Irish parents: your wallet is about to get a break! Starting next week, families could save up to €1,700 per year on childcare costs, thanks to new government subsidies. According to Irish Examiner, children’s Minister Roderic O’Gorman announced on Thursday that the National Childcare Scheme is rolling out increased support for parents. … Read more
Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman, has today published the 2021 edition of the State of the Nation’s Children (SONC) Report. This SONC online report provides a comprehensive picture of our children’s lives by presenting key information on children’s health, behavioural and educational outcomes as well as their relationships with their … Read more
The chief executive of the Child Law Project (CLP) has said that some children still “slip through the cracks” in the care system, despite acknowledgement of the need for agencies to cooperate. Dr Maria Corbett was speaking as the organisation published its latest report on cases where the State sought orders to take children into, … Read more
A new survey of the childcare industry has found that 41% of early years professionals are actively seeking a job in another sector. The Early Years Professionals survey report was conducted by social scientist Dr. Amy Greer Murphy. Murphy said that today professionals are still struggling with low pay and insecure working conditions, feel undervalued … Read more