View Irish language version of this page JOIN US STAND UP DONATE


Lessons Still Not Learned By The Children’s Minister & DCYA

Aontú Leader & Meath West TD Peadar Tóibín has slammed the failure of the Minister for Children and DCYA to address the cries for help from the Childcare sector, and ensure the sustainability of the sector.



Tóibín: “More childcare providers have been contacting me to express concern over the complete failure to offer any clear path forward for the sector. The resumption of AIM funding is unclear. The finalisation of ECCE contracts – which are the main source of funding for childcare providers – is running perilously close to the resumption of the school year. The Minister is working more to cap parents fees and increase subsidising, but doing nothing to help providers recoup losses. No amount of trade will allow facilities to make up the mountains of debt they have incurred, and are now being forced to rely on the government that has consistently ignored them for more subsidies.”



“The Minister has to set forth proposals to ensure the sustainability of the sector – that entails additional supports to ensure facilities can cover heads, plans to alleviate the high levels of debt providers currently have which jeopardises future trading, and resumption of AIM and ECCE payments to begin to revitalise the sector. Without action, thousands of children and parents will be left sitting without school places come September and a childcare sector simply unable to cope with the demand. How is it that the Minister for Children is looking after the needs of childcare providers last?”

By Aontú Press | 14 July, 2020



Related Posts


The Irish political system is radically broken



In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.



Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.



Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.




STAND UP