Sinn Féin spokesperson for Children, Integration, Equality and Youth, Claire Kerrane TD, has called on Minister O’Gorman to provide clarity to parents and childcare providers as key changes to core funding come into effect.  

Speaking today, Teachta Kerrane said:

“It is clear the implementation of the next phase of core funding is causing more confusion and worry than much needed financial relief. Providers continue to face rising costs and staffing shortages, whilst on the flip side parents are potentially seeing the Government’s much lauded 25% fee reduction disappear.

“The Government have made a commitment to families that their fees will reduce on average by 25%, families are relying on this. To announce a potential fee increase for providers with little to no clarity isn’t good enough.

“The information void the Department seems to be operating in is worrying, with no indication from Government how many services will apply for a fee review; how much they will receive under the cap of €33.50 and how long applications will take to process. We acknowledge and accept there are a number of services that have kept their fees incredibly low, some at 2017 levels, and it is absolutely right these services should be reviewed. 

“However, we are now nearly into August, when families are budgeting for the return to school costs, a huge financial burden for so many families, and they have now been thrown into chaos as Creches have issued letters saying they will be applying for the fee increase.

“This is more than bad timing, it’s unconscionable to leave parents and providers in such limbo. They have been promised fees would fall, while the reality may be the opposite for many.

“This level of uncertainty is not good enough, parents and providers need certainty. It is clear the Government needs to listen more and to really appreciate the financial strain many Creches and families continue to face.

“Childcare costs are far too high and are simply unaffordable for families. Too often, parents are forced to give up work or else face forking out hundreds of euro (and in some cases over €1,000) they simply don’t have each and every month. A Sinn Féin Government would ensure childcare costs are finally cut to genuinely affordable levels and we will publish our plan on this shortly.”