Dublin North East Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Government must make Childcare a priority

Published: 1 November, 2005

Sinn Fein's Leinster House members recently introduced a Private Members Bill in the Dail which would see a major improvement in Childcare recognition and provision. The Government has, unfortunately, rejected the thrust of the proposal and hard pressed working parents seem set to be ignored again.

Referring to the Sinn Féin Private Members Motion Cllr. Larry O'Toole. Dublin North East said, "There is no more important concern for parents, families, communities and our society than the care of our children. There has never been a greater need for a comprehensive and accessible childcare infrastructure."

Cllr. O'Toole went on to say, "This is a quality of life issue. It is firstly about the quality of life of children who deserve the best care at all times. It is about the quality of life of parents who should be able to spend as much time as possible with their children, especially during their first three years. And it is about whether we as a society value quality of life above the current drive for material gain and the greed of the Celtic Tiger.

"The Sinn Fein motion outlines the range of measures that are required in the short term and in the medium term. Paid maternity and paternity leave needs to be extended so that parents can spend the most vital formative months with Their infant children. Parents need assistance with the cost of childcare and we propose substantial increases in Child Benefit and Child Dependent Allowance and the introduction of a Childcare Supplement to be paid as a top-up for Child Benefit for under-fives. The petty and penny-pinching cuts in Crèche Supplement and VTOS childcare support must be reversed services."