The failure of so many childcare providers to sign up for the new scheme underlines how much work remains to be done, writes Elaine Loughlin for The Irish Examiner
Overhauling one of the most expensive childcare systems in the world was never going to be child’s play.
It comes as no surprise then, that efforts to introduce an affordable childcare scheme have been hampered by setbacks, criticisms, legislative difficulties, and delays which mean that the initial plan announced as part of last October’s budget is now only being partially introduced this year.
On entering office, Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone was adamant that the crippling childcare bills, which can often count as a second mortgage for the so-called “squeezed middle”, had to be addressed. There is no doubt that she has been committed to this cause.
But now, with her supports due to be rolled out later this week, it appears that many of the country’s creches and approved childcare providers have failed to sign up to the more affordable childcare scheme.
It has been revealed that just 2,626 of the 4,484 early years services registered with Tusla have signed up to the scheme due to begin on September 1.
Read the full article on The Irish Examiner website
