Childcare facilities should be part of school building plans

Clare Fine Gael General election candidate Leonora Carey has said there is no reason why new childcare facilities shouldn’t be provided alongside new primary school buildings.

Commenting on Taoiseach Simon Harris’ commitment to provide €200 childcare support per month per child if his party is returned to Government, Ms Carey said that, despite this undertaking and a 50 per cent reduction in fees, childcare remains a huge cost for families.

“I know from meeting people on the campaign trail that the reduction in fees has been widely welcomed but the current cost is still a barrier to people who want to get back into the workforce. At a time of full employment, we need to address this to ensure people who want to work, can work.

“It is appropriate that the State plays a more active role in childcare, given the importance of providing the best care to our most precious citizens. Having access to affordable, high quality, flexible childcare is crucial to support families to balance work and care responsibilities. 

“Clare families will be aware of the existing significant role the State plays, through the likes of the national childcare subsidy scheme. 

“But there is so much more that can be done. There is no reason, for example, why we shouldn’t be building new childcare facilities alongside new primary school buildings,” she suggested.

“Fine Gael has delivered in this area in recent years, with this 50% reduction in fees, stability and sustainability for providers, and pay increases for staff in the sector.

“Childcare providers and staff in County Clare provide a fantastic service to our children, and further improvements to the sector will be delivered in consultation with them. 

“We know that investing in high quality early childcare reaps rewards later in life and delivering childcare for €200 per month per child will be a key part of this,” Ms Carey concluded.