Páistecare, a public model of childcare and early years services, is the best way to address the endemic problems in the sector, according to Social Democrats TD Aidan Farrelly.
Deputy Farrelly, who’s the party’s spokesperson for Children, said:
“It’s about time that parties across the political spectrum come together to agree a vision for the future of childcare and early years services in this country.
“Young families are desperately struggling to get a childcare place for their children, hindering their ability to balance work and family life.
“For those who do manage to secure childcare, they face crippling costs – putting a huge strain on family finances.
“Meanwhile, our childcare and early years sector is in a very precarious situation given low wages, huge turnovers in staff and difficulty recruiting.
“Childcare workers provide an essential service for communities across the country, yet there has been no clarity on whether this government will take action to establish pay parity for early years workers and others in education.
“Throughout the election, the Tánaiste was adamant that we need a public model of childcare – something the Social Democrats have long advocated.
“The programme for government alludes to this public model, but the language is vague. It is now time for the government to get serious about this commitment
“Oireachtas committees will be formed in the coming weeks and it is essential that we have a dedicated committee on this issue – to agree a public model of childcare, Pàistecare, that works for parents, children and childcare workers.
“I’ll be writing today to the Taoiseach, Chief Whip and Minister for Children to urge them to consider its formation.
“This cross-party committee should be tasked with laying out a short, medium and long term policy plan for this proposal – in the same way that a dedicated joint Oirechtas committee devised the Sláintecare reforms of our health service.
“Páistecare presents a progressive, pragmatic vision for how childcare and early years services can serve all in our communities who need them.”
April 3rd, 2025